Cactus Flower Script PDF

CACTUS FLOWER
Written by
Chynna Moore
Based on the screenplay by I.A.L. Diamond

Based on the play by Abe Burrows
Based on the play "Fleur de cactus" by Pierre Barillet
and Jean-Pierre Grédy
ii.
Address
Phone Number
FADE IN:
MONTAGE: SET TO “WHAT I WOULDN’T DO” BY SERENA RYDER.
INT. JULIAN’S BEDROOM - DAY
On a nightstand, we open on a framed photo of Antonia “Toni”

Simmons. We then pan slightly left to dentist DR. JULIAN
WINSTON, 47, who rustles awake. Opening his eyes, he wearily
looks at his (unseen) alarm behind the photo, before putting
his covers over his head.
INT. JULIAN’S KITCHEN - DAY
On his way out, Julian finishes his remaining breakfast of

eggs sunny side up, and downs a CUP of coffee. He puts his
PLATE, UTENSILS, and cup beside his sink as he leaves.
EXT. STEPHANIE’S HOUSE - DAY
We pan up to the face of dental hygienist STEPHANIE DIXON,

46, who puts on her HELMET and straps it on securely.
EXT. JULIAN’S HOUSE - DAY
We see Julian get into his car, and the film’s title fades
in.
EXT. MILLSTONE AVE - DAY
On her bike, Stephanie rides off onto her street.
INT. JULIAN’S CAR - DAY
We see Julian driving, content he won’t be late.
EXT. BUMPY STREET - DAY
Stephanie tries to keep her bike from wobbling as she goes

over a bumpy street.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Above Julian’s car, we see several airplane vapour trails in

the sky.
2.
Having been looking up at the sky, Julian looks back forward.
EXT. FIFTH STREET - DAY
Stephanie bikes in the morning sun.
EXT. NANAIMO SIGN - DAY
Stephanie rides past the town’s “Bathtub Capital of the

World” sign.
EXT. HARBOUR STREET - DAY
Around Julian’s car we see the various buildings, businesses,

and local landscape.
EXT. STREET - DAY
From an above angle, we see Julian’s car pass a worn rooster

WEATHER VANE, which turns slightly in the morning wind.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Stephanie rides, feeling the morning breeze.
EXT. TRI-STAR VIDEO - DAY
Julian drives past, and we briefly see the storefront

window’s movie posters.
EXT. BROOKLYN TIDE COMICS - DAY
Stephanie rides past the storefront, which displays some

vintage Superman comic books in the window.
Julian passes a liquor store advertising a Father’s Day sale,

which earns a resentful look from him.
3.
EXT. STREET - DAY
Stephanie rides past many storefronts, including that of

Matuschan’s Kayak Art & Gifts, which displays, among other
things, a golden lace SHAWL in the window.
Julian passes a bus stop bench ad for a funeral home that

says “Pay your last respects to Mom with us.” Next to the
bench is a window ad for the Alzheimer Society of B.C..
Julian’s eyes turn mournful. He readjusts his rear-view

mirror to distract himself.
Stephanie rides past other stores on the street, viewed from

the other side from where Julian drove past.
Stephanie bikes past a telephone pole with several FLYERS

stapled to it, including those for Coastland Wood Industries,
for the upcoming arts benefit, for a “NO” vote on a new
hockey arena in town, and for Mid-Island Towing.
EXT. WINSTON DENTAL - DAY
Julian parallel parks into his spot and gets out of his car,
carrying a SQUARE BOX under his arm.
Stephanie arrives moments later and stops.
STEPHANIE
Good morning, Dr. Winston.
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon.
Julian locks his car before heading to the office, passing by

its sign.
END OF MONTAGE.
4.
INT. RECEPTION AREA - DAY
Stephanie enters, Julian following. She ENTERS the alarm code

and closes the door as Julian heads for the storage closet,
putting the SQUARE BOX on a waiting chair.
Taking off her SWEATER and BACKPACK and gently putting them
on the coat hook, Stephanie sits behind the reception desk to
check appointments. We hear her TYPING on the desk computer.
JULIAN (O.S.)
How many we have for today, Ms.
Dixon?
Stephanie looks at the computer monitor.
STEPHANIE
Four before noon.
JULIAN (O.S.)
How ‘bout in the afternoon?
Stephanie doesn’t answer.
Julian emerges from the closet, putting on his DENTIST’S COAT

as he looks a little worried.
STEPHANIE
(pause)
I’m sure it’s just a temporary dip.
This town is growing as it is.
JULIAN
This town is going to Osborne
Orthodontics. You think we can
compete with those guys? They’ve
got good care, free toothbrushes,
and braces to boot.
Stephanie looks back at the computer.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Put on some coffee, will ya?
He leaves for his dental room, while Stephanie gets up to

start coffee.
INT. DENTAL ROOM 1 - DAY
With her surgical mask and glasses on, Stephanie rinses the
teeth of patient JONI WILEY, 8, with a WATER SYRINGE. We hear
the instrumental of “I’m Not in Love” by 10cc playing softly
in the background.
5.
STEPHANIE
So then, Lex has Ms. Teschmacher
all tied up and hanging over his
creatures, but then Superman swoops
in and rescues her just in time,
before taking Lex and Otis to
prison.
Joni, her mouth being open, MUMBLES off-screen in response.
STEPHANIE (CONT’D)
Well sure it did.
(beat)
It’s on the three-hour cut.
Putting down the water syringe and removing the SALIVA

EJECTOR from Joni’s mouth, Stephanie picks up BOTTLES of
fluoride paste and rinse, the latter being near-empty.
Paste or rinse, dearie?
Joni only MUMBLES some more.
In the next room, Julian’s best friend HARRY GREENFELD, 47,

is in the dentist’s chair.
HARRY
Hey Julian, can you skip the
fluoride this time? I can still
taste that bubblegum muck your
nurse gave me last time.
JULIAN
That was two years ago, Harry.
HARRY
And?
Stephanie enters with several FILE FOLDERS in her arm and

hands them to Julian.
STEPHANIE
Doctor, here are the rest for this
morning. Mr. Root has a dentin
check, and Mr. Denton has a root
canal.
(beat)
Please remember this time.
6.
JULIAN
I will, Ms. Dixon.
HARRY
Say, Julian, I was reading the
other day about this plastic
surgeon in Revelstoke who’s got
topless nurses.
STEPHANIE
I didn’t know you were interested
in reading, Harry. R. Crumb too
sophisticated?
She leaves as Julian sits on his stool, reading through the

folders.
HARRY
She’s a real Vera Webster, ain’t
she?
JULIAN
Who?
HARRY
You know, Robert Vaughn’s sister in
Superman III. That Paula Poundstone-
looking chick who gets turned into
a robot?
JULIAN
Harry, what Ms. Dixon is is good,
skilled, and competent. She goes
home to her house, and I go right
to my girl. My life is arranged
just the way I like it.
HARRY
One girl?
JULIAN
Didn’t I tell you? It’s been nearly
a year now.
HARRY
Huh. That's not the Julian Winston
I knew in the old days. The guy
drivin’ around with a new girl
every month?
JULIAN
Toni’s changed all that. I don’t
want anyone else.
7.
HARRY
You mean you’re in love with her?
JULIAN
Hey, I tried to test it.
He sets the folders down on the counter next to him.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Last night, I broke our date so I
could catch up with this flight
attendant I know from Australia. We
had a few drinks at the Coast, she
asked me up to her room with her...
HARRY
Yeah, then what happened?
JULIAN
Nothing. Toni stopped me.
HARRY
She showed up?
JULIAN
In my mind. I saw only her face and
I couldn’t say yes. So I left.
Walked out.
He stands and goes over to the nearby cabinet.
HARRY
Julian, this Toni the real thing?
JULIAN
As real as it gets with me.
From the cabinet, Julian gets out a near-empty BOTTLE of

fluoride rinse and a PAPER CUP.
HARRY (O.S.)
You and her gonna get married?
Julian turns in Harry’s direction.
JULIAN
Married? Who said anything about
getting married? You know me,
Harry.
With the bottle and paper cup, he sits back down by Harry’s
chair.
8.
HARRY
Oh, right. But what about her? Most
women I know want to get married.
Julian sets the cup down on his instruments tray as he undoes

the bottle cap.
JULIAN
Not Toni Simmons. Besides...
(beat)
She thinks I'm already married.
Regret showing on his face, he takes the paper cup again,

pouring the rest of the rinse into it.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Women and me before, we wanted the
same short fling. But, the minute I
met Toni, I thought she could make
me do anything. So, in a moment of
panic, I told her I was married.
Julian hands the cup to Harry.
HARRY
Julian, that’s such a dirty,
rotten, filthy lie...
Harry lifts the cup in a mock “toast”.
HARRY (CONT’D)
It has class.
JULIAN
Yeah...
HARRY (O.S.)
Well wait, did she ever say
anything? About the date I mean?
JULIAN
(beat)
She hasn’t even called once...
Harry drinks the rinse to swish.
We cut back to Julian’s worried face.
Stephanie’s sitting behind the desk as Julian and Harry enter

together from the hallway.
9.
HARRY
(to Julian)
Oh hey, I almost forgot, I met this
great girl at Charlie’s. She’s a
reporter for the Puck. Five foot
ten, beautiful eyes, built like a
Greek goddess, but her teeth, well,
see, they overlap a little, so...
JULIAN
Harry...
HARRY
Well I thought you could just put
her on my tab...
JULIAN
Harry...
Stephanie stands, leaning over the desk, as she glares at
Harry.
HARRY
Well you said this place was
desperate and needed the work...
He notices Stephanie’s stare.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Oh, uh... all right then. Er,
Stephanie?
STEPHANIE
Mr. Greenfeld.
Harry leaves.
Doctor, we need to talk.
JULIAN
Harry?
STEPHANIE
He owes us nearly six hundred
dollars!
JULIAN
He’s a friend!
STEPHANIE
He’s a thief!
10.
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon, there are some things
I just won’t do. I won't push Harry
for money.
(beat)
You do it.
STEPHANIE
Doctor, if insurance won’t even
touch him...
Julian sees the SQUARE BOX from the waiting chair.
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon, wait.
He picks up the box and presents it to Stephanie.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
I almost forgot to give you this.
Stephanie slowly takes the box.
She opens it to find a CACTUS plant in a plastic green pot.
JULIAN (O.S.) (CONT’D)

My neighbor got one extra at a
sale.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
The desk... mm, your desk, seemed
rather empty.
Confused, Stephanie looks over the plant.
STEPHANIE
Uh, thank you, Doctor.
JULIAN
(sighs)
Look, it’s been a rough couple
months. First Ivy got married, then
Alicia moved, then Constance jumped
ship to Osborne’s. To be honest,
I’ve wondered why you’re even still
here.
Stephanie tries to be gracious.
STEPHANIE
Doctor... thank you. I’m sorry I
yelled.
11.
JULIAN
No problem.
Stephanie places the cactus on the desk, looking at it a

moment before quickly turning back to Julian.
STEPHANIE
Now Doctor, about that money...
JULIAN
Well...
All of a sudden, the door opens. IVIS DURANT, 78, enters.
MRS. DURANT
Dr. Winston? Stephanie? It’s the
caramel again.
JULIAN AND STEPHANIE

(beat)
Hello, Mrs. Durant.
EXT. DOWNTOWN - EARLY EVENING
We hear “Bloody Well Right” by Supertramp as we see cars

stuck in a traffic jam.
INT. JULIAN’S CAR - EARLY EVENING
As the song continues, Julian, frustrated, yells out his

window.
JULIAN
Hey, jackass! Some of us actually
have lives! Move it!
He loudly HONKS his horn.
EXT. TONI’S APARTMENT - EARLY EVENING
As we hear the same HONKS in the distance, we pan to the

shaded side of an apartment building.
INT. TONI’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
We see a framed photo of Julian before panning to the bedroom

door. ANTONIA “TONI” SIMMONS, 24, enters from her bedroom,
singing lyrics from “Night Rider” by ELO. Dressed in her
nightgown, she goes to turn off her stove, moving the KETTLE
on it to another burner.
12.
TONI
(singing)
“Looking out the corner of her
world, nobody ever knows a girl.
Who once lived along this wa-ay. Oo-
oo-oo, oo-oo-oo-oo...”
She hears a MEOW from outside.
TONI (CONT’D)
Burton Cummings, what are you doing
out there?
She goes to her balcony door and out onto the balcony.
EXT. APARTMENT BALCONY - NIGHT
Toni looks out and sees the orange cat, sitting on the air
conditioner in her nearby window.
TONI
Come on, Burton, be a good lad, get
down from there! Your dad’ll be
worried sick!
Hesitant but frustrated, Toni slowly climbs onto the balcony

railing, grabbing the gutter pipe beside it for support.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Julian, now out of the jam, drives to Toni’s apartment,

speeding 80 km/h past a 50 km/h sign.
INT. JULIAN’S CAR - NIGHT
An agitated Julian looks out through his windshield.
JULIAN
Damn road signs going by too fast!
He keeps looking out, still worried.
Toni tries to stay still, reaching for Burton.
TONI
Come on, Burton, get down from
there!
13.
EXT. TONI’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Parking in the back lot, Julian gets out of his car and runs
for the back door.
Toni tries to reach out further.
We hear Julian UNLOCK the door.
We see Toni strain to reach even further.
Julian enters, and is horrified to see Toni on the balcony

railing.
JULIAN
Toni!
He quickly runs off-screen to the balcony.
Toni SCREAMS in fright and loses her footing a little. Julian

quickly runs out and grabs her.
We see Burton go down into and through a lower apartment’s

window, out of Julian’s sight.
Julian carries Toni inside and puts her on the couch,

knocking a blue PILLOW off of it. He kneels to hug her and
kiss her cheeks before holding her face to look at her.
JULIAN
Are you alright? What were you
thinking?
TONI
I wasn’t trying to jump!-
14.
JULIAN
This is all my fault! I never
should’ve broken our date!
Toni just looks at him.
TONI
(beat)
Oh, Julian...
JULIAN
Toni, I’ve been a no-good bastard
all this time... I’m the biggest
bastard in the whole world.
TONI
Julian, please, you're starting to
make it sound like you’re bragging.
I knew what I was getting into.
Ever since we met, you’ve been
completely honest with me. About
your money, your job, your wife.
Julian freezes.
TONI (CONT’D)
All my life, people have lied to
me, and I could never stand it. You
at least had the decency to warn me
from the outset.
JULIAN
But, the date, the not calling...
What in God’s name on this green
earth can I do to fix this?
Toni thinks.
TONI
Marry me.
JULIAN
(beat)
What?
TONI
Marry me.
JULIAN
W-what do you mean, marry?
15.
TONI
You know, marry marry. With the
license, two pieces of I.D., the
Notary Public. That kind of marry.
Right away.
JULIAN
But Toni, you’re so...
TONI
Bohemian? Well maybe, in spirit.
But, you know, marriage is the only
traditional thing I ever really
wanted in life.
JULIAN
But, what about my wife?
TONI
Julian, you’ve told me how your
marriage has been. Sometimes, it
just doesn’t work out between two
people, but no one is brave enough
to make the first move...
JULIAN
Well I’ll divorce her. I should’ve
done it a long time ago. You know I
could’ve lost you tonight, Magpie?
TONI
Oh, Julian, do you really love me?
JULIAN
You really doubted it?
They hug and kiss before Toni’s apartment door is opened

further by her neighbor IAN SULLIVAN, 25.
IAN
Oh, I’m sorry, is everything
alright?
TONI
Oh, yes, Ian, it is. Thank you.
IAN
You haven’t seen Burton around,
have you?
TONI
Outside.
16.
IAN
‘Kay. Thanks, Toni.
He leaves. Toni hugs Julian.
TONI
Oh, Julian, I’m so happy. But your
wife...
JULIAN
Don’t you worry about her...
TONI
Well, still, you know, I feel so...
responsible.
(pause)
I want to meet her.
JULIAN
What? I mean, you do?
TONI
Yes. I wanna straighten things out
with her. See for myself that she
wants out as much as you do.
JULIAN
Toni, that’s really not
necessary...
TONI
Yes it is! I want to meet her, face
to face. Please, Julian, it’s
really important. I don’t want her
to think of me as some sort of
homewrecker. I’ve seen what that
does to people... And, I don’t
wanna hide every time I see her
somewhere.
JULIAN
You’ll never run into her. I
promise.
TONI
Julian, if I don’t meet her, I
won’t be happy. When am I going to
meet her? And don’t say who.
JULIAN
Magpie, you can take my word for
it.
17.
TONI
Julian, you’ve got to promise...
JULIAN
All right, all right! I promise, I
promise! You’ll meet her, you’ll
meet her!
TONI
Oh, Julian, thank you, thank you! I
love you, I love you!
She hugs him close with a kiss on the cheek.
TONI (CONT’D)
Julian, don’t you worry. It’ll all
be okay.
(beat)
I’m sure Stephanie will let us get
married.
Julian just nods.
We zoom out from the desk’s CACTUS as Stephanie waters it

from a PAPER CUP. Stressed, she HUMS “Don’t Bring Me Down” by
ELO to stay focused. Once the cup is empty, she drops it into
the trash bin nearby and leaves the room.
City councilman BILL DRUCKER, 56, sits in the dentist’s

chair, wearing a LEAD BIB. Stephanie enters and prepares the
computer for his X-ray.
COUNCILMAN DRUCKER
Now I’m no coward, Ms. Dixon. I’ve
been on city council for thirty
years. It’s been my life’s work.
I’ve voted on schools, the
homeless, low-income housing.
Because this city needs tough love.
But, when it comes to dentists...
STEPHANIE
I understand, Mr. Drucker. It is no
big deal. All you have to do is lie
still.
18.
COUNCILMAN DRUCKER
Ms. Dixon, I must say, I admire
your dedication to Dr. Winston.
I’ve been coming here nearly a
decade, and you’re the last
hygienist remaining.
Stephanie gently places a BITE-WING into Drucker’s mouth.
STEPHANIE
Bite down, Mr. Drucker.
She places the X-ray CONTROLLER by his face. Leaving the

room, she presses the X-ray switch, which emits a radar-like
NOISE. Stephanie re-enters, taking the bite-wing out. She
gently puts another bite-wing in the other half of his teeth
before moving the controller to that side of his face. She
leaves and presses the X-ray switch once more.
Re-entering, Stephanie moves the controller away and takes

off Drucker’s lead bib as he takes his bite-wing out.
COUNCILMAN DRUCKER
If you’re shy about it, Ms. Dixon,
I won’t tell anyone. It’s part of
my job. The keeping mum part, not
the adultery part...
Stephanie is taken aback.
COUNCILMAN DRUCKER (O.S.) (CONT’D)

No, not adultery.
COUNCILMAN DRUCKER (CONT’D)

You and Dr. Winston aren’t married,
I mean...
Stephanie grows irritated.
STEPHANIE
Mr. Drucker, my business with Dr.
Winston is strictly professional. I
have stayed here because he
respects my work and never bothers
me about my personal life. He goes
home to his house, I go home to
mine.
(beat)
Incidentally, Mr. Drucker, we’re
all out of fluoride rinse. So,
it’ll have to be the paste for you
today.
She smiles.
19.
Councilman Drucker goes pale.
On his break, Julian enters through the front door as

Stephanie enters from the hallway.
STEPHANIE
Doctor, I’m sorry. Can I go get us
lunch?
Stephanie gets her SWEATER from the coat hook and puts it on.
JULIAN
Lunch? But it’s 4 p.m...
STEPHANIE
I know, I know. Look, just take out
Mr. Drucker’s fluoride, print his
bill, and make sure he pays it.
JULIAN
But why?
STEPHANIE
I know he’s been on city council
for thirty years, but I sure didn’t
vote for him, or for that arena the
city’s building.
(sighs)
I’ll be back.
She leaves, leaving a still-confused Julian standing there.
INT. SAVE-ON-FOODS - DAY
We hear the in-store music playing “One Summer Dream” by ELO.
Stephanie waits in line with a deli SALAD and a wrapped EGG

SALAD SANDWICH. She looks around as she moves up her line,
until she’s face to face with the cashier: Toni.
TONI
Hi there. How are you today?
STEPHANIE
Mm, frazzled.
TONI
Oh, I’m sorry. That was me for the
longest time.
(MORE)
20.
TONI (CONT'D)
Well, that’s all water under the
bridge, as they say. Would you like
a bag?
STEPHANIE
No, thank you. My canvas one’s at
home.
Toni takes Stephanie’s salad and sandwich, looking down at

the sandwich.
TONI
Egg salad.
She smiles as she totals up the order.
TONI (CONT’D)
$12.98. Will that be credit, cash,
or Interac?
STEPHANIE
Cash.
She gives Toni a ten dollar BILL and some CHANGE.
TONI
Thank you. You have a great day
now.
She gives Stephanie her RECEIPT. Stephanie is heartened a bit

by Toni’s disposition, but not fully eased.
STEPHANIE
You too.
She takes the salad and sandwich and leaves, as Toni looks
on.
TONI
(to self)
Poor thing. I wonder what’s
troubling her?
Stephanie enters, and Julian is standing in front of the

desk.
Stephanie goes behind the desk, furiously looking for

payment, as Julian casually shuts the door.
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon.
21.
From the desk, Julian effortlessly picks up Drucker’s PAYMENT

PRINTOUT.
Stephanie isn’t amused as Julian puts it back down.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Ms. Dixon...
Stephanie holds up the EGG SALAD SANDWICH.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
No, not that.
(beat)
Do you, have any plans after work?
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Why?
Julian leans onto the desk.
JULIAN
I thought maybe, we could go and
have a beer at Charlie’s.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Are you asking me out?
JULIAN
Just as a respected colleague, Ms.
Dixon. Nothing more.
STEPHANIE
Oh.
(beat)
But I don’t drink.
JULIAN
Oh. Well how ‘bout a bite to eat
then? Your choice. My treat.
Stephanie thinks a moment.
CUT TO:
EXT. DAIRY QUEEN - EARLY EVENING
As we hear the instrumental of “The Things We Do for Love” by

10cc, we see an old Dairy Queen, with Julian’s car and
Stephanie’s bike outside of it. The song continues throughout
the next scene.
22.
INT. DAIRY QUEEN - NIGHT
We pan from a JUKEBOX to Julian and Stephanie’s booth.
Julian has finished his burger, while Stephanie, looking at

him, holds a SPOON and eats from a strawberry sundae CUP. Her
backpack, her empty salad container, and his sandwich and
burger wrappers are beside them on the table.
JULIAN
I have to say, Ms. Dixon, I wasn’t
expecting this place from you.
(beat)
Speaking of... How long have we
known each other, Ms. Dixon? Ten
years?
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Eight.
JULIAN
Yeah. And...
STEPHANIE
And, this is the first time we’ve
done anything outside of work
together.
JULIAN
Yeah, well, better a little late
than a little never. And I suddenly
realized, I have no idea what your
life outside the office is like.
(beat)
Tell me about Stephanie Dixon,
civilian.
STEPHANIE
(surprised)
Oh. Um, I wouldn’t know where to
begin.
JULIAN
That’s a good place to start.
STEPHANIE
Well, I live just off Terminal
Park. I drive a pre-owned Volvo,
and I ride my bike to work.
(pause)
That’s it, really.
23.
JULIAN
Oh. Ms. Dixon, I’m sorry. I
should’ve asked you more... Well,
what do you like to do? What are
your hobbies?
STEPHANIE
Oh. Well, I like to walk along the
waterfront downtown. And I’ll take
my Volvo...
JULIAN
That’s a good car.
STEPHANIE
Yeah, and I’ll drive through town,
try some new health foods, see some
local color. Take a few pictures,
write a few lines of poetry...
JULIAN
You’re a jack of all trades.
STEPHANIE
Mm, and a master of none.
JULIAN
Oh. Well, wait. You like “Superman:
The Movie”.
STEPHANIE
Oh, well, who doesn’t, Doctor?
JULIAN
That’s true, but I hear you talk
about it all the time. You seem to
know more about it than anyone.
STEPHANIE
Oh. Well, you know, I don’t watch
it all the time. I’ll put it on if
I’m doing chores, or making a big
meal, or if I’m feeling a bit down.
It does help me feel better.
JULIAN
Ah.
(beat)
And, have you ever been, well...
STEPHANIE
Married? Oh, no, Doctor. Not at
all...
24.
JULIAN
I mean, I wouldn’t ask, but...
STEPHANIE
But, you wonder what someone my age
is doing unattached.
JULIAN
Oh, no, Ms. Dixon, not at all. I
mean, I’ve never been married
either. Unless you’re, I mean, have
you thought about being...
STEPHANIE
I’m not, Doctor.
JULIAN
Oh. Okay then... Do you, want to-?
STEPHANIE
Doctor. If it doesn’t happen for
me, it’s not the end of the world.
JULIAN
Oh.
(pause)
Well, Stephanie Dixon, you are not
what they call an old maid. And you
know, people don’t care about that
stuff anymore.
STEPHANIE
Mm, thank you, Doctor.
She puts down her spoon.
JULIAN (O.S.)
You’re a kind, dependable person,
and I don’t know where the office
would be without you.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
And I know that if I ever found
myself in trouble, I could turn to
you for help.
STEPHANIE
Well, sure.
JULIAN
And sometimes, a problem comes up
that’s rather difficult, and,
well...
25.
STEPHANIE
Well what?
JULIAN
Well you see, Ms. Dixon... I’m
desperately in need of a wife.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
What?
JULIAN
Please, Ms. Dixon, don’t
misunderstand. I just need a wife,
temporarily, for about fifteen to
twenty minutes...

Oh, god, I’m telling this very
badly.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Ms. Dixon, I need someone to play
the part of my wife.
STEPHANIE
Someone like me?
JULIAN
If only you would.
STEPHANIE
It’ll never work!
JULIAN
But Ms. Dixon...
STEPHANIE
No one’ll buy it!
JULIAN
Well it wouldn’t involve any, uh...
STEPHANIE
Well even I know fifteen to twenty
minutes is a generous assessment!
Julian shakes his head.
JULIAN
Look, all you have to do is, uh,
tell a certain person that you want
a divorce. You see, I’ve suddenly
decided to get married.
26.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Doctor, I think you’ve gotten
things backwards.
JULIAN
No, I didn’t tell you. Her name is
Toni Simmons, and well, she thinks
I’m already married.
STEPHANIE
And why would she think that?
JULIAN
Well at the time... Look, I’ll
straighten it out later. Right now,
I need a wife.
STEPHANIE
Well, tell Toni the truth and tell
her to get the money from Harry.
Good night.
She stands, taking her empty sundae cup and spoon.
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon, wait. Look, I’ve wanted
to tell her the truth, but every
single time, I get completely
tongue-tied. And I can’t tell her
now because, well, she’s so sweet.
I don’t wanna hurt her even more.
Stephanie looks at him funny.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Look, Toni’s a wonderful girl. She
won’t get married until she meets
my wife.
Stephanie slowly nods.
STEPHANIE
Well, goodbye.
She leaves her seat, turning her back on Julian.
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon, if you would just go and
meet her...
STEPHANIE
“I’m sorry, Dr. Winston, I’m afraid
I can’t do that.”
27.
Julian leaves his seat.
JULIAN
But I don’t know how to get out of
this one. Toni’s been with me
nearly a year, and, Ms. Dixon...
As Stephanie turns to face Julian, he kneels in front of her

and places his hands on hers.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
My happiness lies in your two
hands.
STEPHANIE
(pause)
Dr. Winston, these two hands have
held nothing but papers and
instruments for the better part of
a decade. And you’ve managed to
handle your happiness with no help
from me. And now, you have the...
unmitigated gall, to trick me into
talking about myself for this...
farce of a farce! I won’t allow it!
She breaks her hands free, going and putting her cup and
spoon into the trash bin. Slowly standing again, Julian grows
solemn.
JULIAN
(beat)
She almost fell from her balcony
last night.
Stephanie stops dead in her tracks and turns around.
STEPHANIE
(pause)
You’re not serious.
JULIAN
I caught her just in time. She said
she wasn’t trying to jump, but...
even still, I wouldn’t let go of
her all night.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Doctor, that’s terrible. Is she
alright?
Julian nods.
28.
JULIAN
Yeah, the... whole thing’s just
left me really shaken up.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Doctor, I’m sorry...
JULIAN
I just wanna make her happy, Ms.
Dixon.
STEPHANIE
(sighs)
I’ll hate myself in the morning...
but alright.
JULIAN
Wait... you’ll do it?
STEPHANIE
One meeting, fifteen to twenty
minutes. A nice, friendly chat.
JULIAN
Oh, thank you, Ms. Dixon, thank
you! She teaches a class three days
a week at the Bowen Complex. I want
you to be comfortable too.
STEPHANIE
Funny. That was absent from my
initial impression.
Ian opens the door to see Julian looking around the apartment
and picking up a PLATE.
IAN
Dr. Winston...
Julian nearly drops the plate and turns around.
Ian leans against the door frame, folding his arms.
IAN (CONT’D)
What are you doing?
JULIAN
I’m looking for my electric razor.
I left it here last time I stayed.
29.
IAN
(sarcastically)
Don’t worry, Doctor. I took all the
sharp objects out of here this
morning.
JULIAN
(beat)
Thanks?
IAN
I won’t say the same. I heard you
last night, Doctor. Quit stringing
that poor girl along. There’s no
way you’re gonna leave your wife.
Julian puts the plate away in the cabinet nearby.
JULIAN
Well you didn’t listen long enough,
Ian. Toni and I are getting
married.
Toni, in her COAT and MESSENGER BAG, enters past Ian.
TONI
Hi Ian.
IAN
Toni, I just heard the good news.
Congratulations.
TONI
Thanks, Ian, but it’ll be a while.
There’s still the divorce.
IAN
Oh, we haven’t gotten our little
divorce yet?
JULIAN
(under breath)
I’d like to have you in my chair
for five minutes...
Toni kisses Julian on the cheek.
TONI
How was work, sweetie?
JULIAN
Strange, bumpy, eventful.
Toni hugs behind Julian’s neck.

30.
TONI
Well today was just what I needed.
JULIAN
That’s good to hear.
He looks up at Ian, motioning with his head.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Ian. Thanks. Out.
Ian leaves, shutting the door. Julian goes and takes out a
few TAKEOUT BOXES from a paper bag on the kitchen counter.
Toni takes off her coat and messenger bag, putting them
around her chair, as she and Julian sit down at her dinner
table. Julian places the boxes between them, and they open
them up, putting the food on their plates as they talk.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Toni, good news. My wife wants to
meet you tomorrow afternoon.
TONI
Oh, Julian...
JULIAN
Don’t tell me the kiln blew up
again.
TONI
No, but, well, it’s all so sudden.
I do wanna meet her, but...
JULIAN
Well don’t let that little weasel
Ian scare you. He’s a good
neighbor, but he needs to mind his
own business.
TONI
Oh, Ian’s not so bad. He’s just one
of those frustrated writers, you
know? Every city’s got ‘em. He
writes plays where people keep
their clothes on.
JULIAN
How revolutionary. Next thing you
know, they’ll be serving booze in
the lobby.
31.
TONI
(laughs)
He also adapts older plays for a
modern audience. Right now, it’s
“The Front Page” with a female
lead.
JULIAN
Toni, that’s already been done. It
was called “His Girl Friday”.
Instead of Hildy Johnson being
Walter Burns’ male colleague, she’s
his ex-wife.
(pause)
Let’s not lose our appetites, okay
Magpie?
TONI
(sweetly)
Okay.
They start to eat.
JULIAN
Trust me, Toni, you have nothing to
worry about.
He smiles back.
INT. BOWEN COMPLEX HALLWAY - DAY
We pan down to a nervous Stephanie walking down the hall,

looking around. She faintly sings to herself “Mr. Blue Sky”
by ELO.
STEPHANIE
(singing)
“Mr. Blue Sky, please tell us why,
you had to hide away for so long,
so, where did we go wrong?”
She’s passed by a group of PRESCHOOLERS and their TEACHERS

leaving the neighboring classroom. After they leave,
Stephanie looks to Toni’s open classroom door.
INT. BOWEN COMPLEX CLASSROOM - DAY
Stephanie enters through the back of the room, stopping

briefly to look.
Toni, her back turned, washes her hands at the front sink.
32.
Coming closer, Stephanie sees Toni, accidentally BUMPING a

chair at the table behind her. The noise causes Toni to turn
around, and Stephanie to recognize her.
TONI
Oh hey, I know you. The salad
lady...
A few awkward moments pass. Stephanie reaches to shake Toni’s

hand.
STEPHANIE
You must be Toni. Dr. Winston... my
husband, told me you were most
anxious to meet me.
Toni goes around the front teaching table, drying her wet
hand on her apron before shaking Stephanie’s hand.
TONI
He, told you about our plans?
STEPHANIE
Yes, naturally.
TONI
(beat)
Well?
STEPHANIE
Well what?
TONI
(beat)
You don’t mind?
STEPHANIE
Oh, no, of course not. Not at all.
Dr. Winston and I both want the
divorce.
TONI
(exhales)
Oh, I can’t tell you how good that
makes me feel.
STEPHANIE
I really made your day, huh?
TONI
It’s just such a relief, Mrs.
Winston...
33.
STEPHANIE
Please, call me Stephanie.
TONI
Of course.
STEPHANIE
So, you... really love Julian?
TONI
Do I?
(beat)
Madly, wildly, deeply.
STEPHANIE
That’s good to know.
TONI
Mrs. Winston, Stephanie... Julian’s
told me how your marriage has been,
well, failing...
STEPHANIE
I wouldn’t call eight years a
failure. Not at all.
Toni looks down at Stephanie’s hands.
TONI
Your ring...
Stephanie feels her bare ring finger, trying to think.
STEPHANIE
Oh, well, when something is over,
it’s over. It is what it is.
Toni notices a small bit of clay on the floor in front of the

front table. She goes around it, and Stephanie, following
her, hands her a red CLOTH sitting on the table behind her.
TONI
(softly)
Thank you.
She pauses, looking down a bit at the cloth in her hands.
TONI (CONT’D)
Look, Stephanie, I never wanted to
hurt you, even just asking you here
and bringing up old wounds...
34.
STEPHANIE
No, Toni, it’s alright. He and I
have been leading separate lives
for over a year now. And at least
now, I can devote myself to my work
full-time.
Toni bends down to the floor to clean the clay up.
TONI
Oh, what is it you do?
STEPHANIE
I assist this oral surgeon
downtown.
Stephanie looks over Toni to see if her lies are working.
See, up until recently, I’ve been
so busy helping Julian with his
work.
Toni stands, putting the cloth on the teaching table.
TONI
Well how sweet of you. I honestly
can’t see Ms. Dickinson helping him
with everything over there anyways.
She picks up a bunch of PAINTBRUSHES from the teaching table

and goes to put them in the sink.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Ms. Dickinson?
Toni, her back turned to Stephanie, turns on the FAUCET.
TONI
Yeah, that hygienist of his.
Between you and me, she kind of
comes off like one of those old
maids, probably in love with the
boss, you know, like in those old
screwball comedies?
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Julian tell you that?
35.
TONI
Well no, but one night, when he was
running late, I suddenly got
jealous of Ms. Dickinson.
(laughs)
Later, when I told him how jealous
I was, he just laughed and laughed.
Toni shuts off the faucet and turns back to Stephanie.
TONI (CONT’D)
You ever been jealous of her?
STEPHANIE
Oh, no, of course not. Why would I
be? She and Julian are complete and
total opposites.
TONI
I mean, I’m sure my part in it
didn’t help matters, but, when a
man’s marriage has been failing...
STEPHANIE
Please don’t keep saying that.
(beat)
I should go.
Stephanie starts to leave.
TONI
Stephanie? You’ve asked me a very
important question. Now I want to
ask you one.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Yes?
TONI
Are you absolutely sure you don’t
love him anymore?
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Well, you’re not together eight
years without, forming a little bit
of a bond...
TONI
Sure, but... surely you can't leave
them, after so many years,
without... feeling a little bit of
pain.
36.
Stephanie sees the concern in Toni’s eyes.
STEPHANIE
Perhaps you’re right. Now, I don’t
have to worry about his bills, his
appointments, his...
Looking to the SCULPTURES on the table behind her, Stephanie

sees a ROOSTER sculpture.
(beat)
Egg salad sandwiches.
TONI
That I know.
STEPHANIE
A man who’s all yours.
TONI
(beat)
Well, almost... Stephanie, once
Julian and I set the date, I want
you to be the first guest invited
to the wedding. You deserve to be
there.
STEPHANIE
Oh. Well, thank you, Toni. I live
at 978 Millstone Avenue.
TONI
You’ve moved out...
Toni grows somber.
STEPHANIE
Toni, don’t worry about me, I’ll be
fine. Believe me. I’ll be driving
my Volvo off into the sunset. I
won’t get in the way.
Toni grasps Stephanie’s hands.
TONI
Stephanie, I want you to know that
you are a kind, brave, gracious
woman.
Stephanie is taken aback by Toni’s words.

37.
STEPHANIE
Thank you, Toni. I wish you the all
the happiness in the world.
Stephanie smiles a bit before leaving.
As soon as she’s out of sight, Stephanie is heard RUNNING

down the hallway and OPENING the complex doors. We then hear
her quickly DRIVE off. Toni hears all of this, and grows
sadder.
Julian washes a PLATE at the sink as Toni bursts the door

open.
TONI
Julian!
Startled, Julian drops the plate into the sink, SHATTERING

it. He turns around.
JULIAN
Toni!
TONI
I’ve just had a long, meaningful
discussion with your wife.
JULIAN
She came?
TONI
Yes, and she was magnificent.
Handled herself beautifully. She's
a real lady.
JULIAN
Well, I don't marry just anybody.
So everything’s all cleared up?
TONI
Julian, you lied to me.
JULIAN
What? Never! What did she tell you?
I deny it!
TONI
Well you may not be aware of it,
Julian, but your wife still loves
you.
38.
JULIAN
What? How? There’s no way.
TONI
I’m telling you, she does. I
should’ve known the first time I
saw her.
She goes to her couch.
JULIAN
The first time?
Toni sits down on her couch, playing with her MESSENGER BAG’s
flap a bit.
TONI
Yesterday, at Save-On. She was
buying deli food, and looked so
sad.
Julian remembers Stephanie’s lunch run that day. He snaps out

of it.
JULIAN
Now wait a minute. Did she or did
she not tell you today she wanted a
divorce?
TONI
She's only doing it so you can be
happy. She's crazy about you.
Anybody could see that.
JULIAN
Now Toni, let’s stay calm here.
Tell me what the dolt- what my
devoted wife, said.
TONI
Well it's not what she said,
Julian, it's what she didn't say.
JULIAN
All right then, tell me what she
didn't say. Word for word.
Toni takes off her messenger bag and puts it aside on the
couch.
TONI
Well, the way she talked about you,
and your bills, and your egg salad
sandwiches, I got all choked up.
39.
JULIAN
(beat)
She bragged about sandwiches?
TONI
Well, no, but the way she talked
about them, it was like she made
them with love. And to see her
buying that same sandwich, like she
was trying to relive the good old
days... Julian, this fine woman put
on such a brave face, then drove
her Volvo off into the sunset like
a bat out of hell!
JULIAN
“This fine woman”? What are you,
her lawyer now? You wanted to meet
her, and you did! Boy, was that a
mistake.
TONI
Maybe if I never asked to meet
her...
JULIAN
Toni, she’s fine with us, really!
TONI
She’s given you eight years of her
life, Julian. At the very least,
you should talk to her yourself.
JULIAN
But she wants the divorce as much
as I do.
TONI
How do you know? What reason could
she possibly have?
Leaning back against the door, Julian thinks.
JULIAN
(beat)
Another guy?
TONI
Your wife, another man? Really?
JULIAN
(beat)
Yeah.
40.
TONI
Well gosh, she never said anything.
JULIAN
Well you know, Stephanie doesn’t
like to talk about her personal
life. She chooses her words real
carefully.
Julian sits down on the couch next to Toni.
TONI
Mm, maybe you're right. Maybe
knowing she’s moved on, with
someone else, makes it all seem
nicer somehow. As long as she’s
happy. Why shouldn't she have a
boyfriend? You have a fiancee.
JULIAN
You little scamp.
TONI
(laughs)
You think he’ll marry her? Your
wife’s boyfriend.
JULIAN
Oh, I don’t know. Maybe. Who cares?
TONI
Well, what’s he like? Have you met
him? What does he do?
JULIAN
I don’t know, I haven’t met him.
TONI
Well wouldn’t you like to know him?
Sort of look him over, hmm?
She gets off the couch to stand before Julian.
JULIAN
Toni, you're getting that look in
your eye again...
TONI
Don’t you wanna know who’s gonna
take care of your wife? Love her,
honor her, cherish her? You have to
arrange for us to meet him.
41.
JULIAN
But Toni, I...
TONI
If you don’t do this one little
thing for me, Julian...
JULIAN
No, no, no, no...
CUT TO:
Stephanie is echoing Julian’s line.
STEPHANIE
No, no, no! Are you nuts?!
JULIAN
But it’s such a little thing. All
we have to do is find a man...
STEPHANIE
No! Now Doctor, if you’ll excuse
me, I have to put in Mrs. Durant’s
new filling.
All the while, Mrs. Durant, sitting in the dentist’s chair,

eyes her chewed-up CARAMEL on Stephanie’s instruments tray.
JULIAN (O.S.)
Okay, so I threw the boyfriend
thing at you a little too quickly.
Stephanie storms off and Julian follows her.
Mrs. Durant looks out for the coast to be clear.
Julian follows Stephanie into the waiting area.
JULIAN
Now you listen to me, Ms. Dixon...
STEPHANIE
No Doctor, you listen. You asked me
to pose as your wife. And despite
what little preparation I had, I
managed to pull it off.
42.
JULIAN
A little too well, I’m afraid.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
What?
JULIAN
She thinks you still love me.
STEPHANIE
Me?
JULIAN
Not you, my wife.
STEPHANIE
And where’d she get such a crazy
idea like that?
JULIAN
From you.
Shocked, Stephanie shakes her head.
STEPHANIE
No way. I behaved just as any
civil, soon-to-be-divorced wife
would behave.
JULIAN
Well why’d you have to mention the
egg salad sandwiches?
STEPHANIE
Details, Doctor. It’s part of my
job.
JULIAN
The details are what did it! Ms.
Dixon, you know I can’t do this
without you.
STEPHANIE
Of course I do.
JULIAN
You must help me. Not only as a
friend, but as a nurse. It is your
professional duty.
STEPHANIE
Doctor, I am not a nurse, I’m a
dental hygienist. And believe me.
(MORE)
43.
STEPHANIE (CONT'D)
Nothing about this has been
professional.
We hear Mrs. Durant MOAN in pain from the dentist chair in

the other room. Julian and Stephanie rush back.
Julian tries to get the CARAMEL out of Mrs. Durant’s mouth.
JULIAN
Honestly, Mrs. Durant! At least
wait until you leave the office!
Stephanie hands Julian the necessary TOOLS to help Mrs.

Durant as she struggles to hold Mrs. Durant steady.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Ms. Dixon, you played the part
of my wife once and you enjoyed it.
Admit it. You did enjoy yourself.
STEPHANIE
Well, it certainly isn’t this,
that’s for sure.
JULIAN
Well here's your chance to play
your encore, to an adoring public,
on a night on the town.
STEPHANIE
On the town? But Doctor, I don’t
go...
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon, it’s gotta be fun,
somewhere lively, somewhere you and
your lover would go.
STEPHANIE
Oh, so I lose a husband and gain a
lover. At least I won't feel
completely abandoned.
JULIAN
Good, wonderful.
STEPHANIE
What? No!
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon. Toni?
44.
Stephanie remembers, falling silent. Guilty, she concentrates

on Mrs. Durant.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Good. I’m happy and Toni will be
happy. Now all we have to do is
find someone to play the part of
your boyfriend. We need someone I
know I can trust.
Stephanie stops and looks up at Julian.
STEPHANIE
No. No, nonononono. You cannot be
thinking who I think you’re
thinking!
CUT TO:
INT. MODERN CAFE - NIGHT
We hear the instrumental of “Evil Ways” by Santana.
We pan up to see Harry sitting at a table to the side,

surrounded by other PATRONS.
We see his P.O.V., of a FEMALE BARGOER sitting at the bar

counter.
Stephanie arrives outside, sees Harry through the window, and

pauses to react. She then enters, Harry seeing her.
HARRY
I thought you’d never come!
STEPHANIE
(pause)
An accurate statement as any.
She sits down next to him, putting her CLUTCH on her side of
the table. She looks around the place.
Why did you choose this place, Mr.
Greenfeld?
HARRY
It’s the new hot spot in town.
STEPHANIE
I’ve never heard of it.
45.
HARRY
That’s why it’s so popular.
Server TOD comes to their table.
TOD
Hi folks, I’m Tod. I’ll be your
server tonight. Anything you’d like
to start with?
HARRY
Why not? A bottle of your finest
champagne, sir. Domestic.
TOD
Coming right up, sir.
HARRY
Thanks.
Tod leaves.
HARRY (CONT’D)
(to Stephanie)
Don’t tell me. If it’s Veuve
Clicquot, you’ll stay?
STEPHANIE
It’s nice to see you’re not
entirely uncultured, Mr. Greenfeld.
Harry contorts his face in a bad Bogie impression.
HARRY
“Here’s lookin’ at you, kid.”
Stephanie grins back cringingly.
She turns and looks around.
STEPHANIE
(under breath)
Where the hell are they?
HARRY
You know, Ms. Dixon, you look
different when you’re out of your
scrubs.
Stephanie turns back to Harry.
STEPHANIE
Mr. Greenfeld...
46.
HARRY
I mean usually, you look like a
roll of wallpaper. Now you look
like some kind of boy genie.
STEPHANIE
Mr. Greenfeld, I couldn’t care less
what you think of me.
HARRY
Hey, I’m supposed to be your lover,
remember?
STEPHANIE
With great pain and anguish, yes!
HARRY
Well that’s the reason you’re
getting a divorce, so uh, let’s act
a little crazy about me, shall we?
Stephanie’s expression doesn’t change.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Your hand is on my knee.
HARRY
Oh. I thought it was mine. Shall we
dance?
STEPHANIE
I’d rather be drawn and
sixteenthed.
HARRY
This evening’s off to a fine start.
Tod returns with a BOTTLE and two FLUTES.
STEPHANIE
(to Tod)
Thank you.
Stephanie takes one FLUTE as Harry takes the BOTTLE and

loudly POPS its cork. Tod leaves, and Harry pours into
Stephanie’s flute.
HARRY
Drink up. It’ll make me look better
to you.
47.
STEPHANIE
Mr. Greenfeld, there are some
miracles even booze can’t work.
Harry makes a toast.
HARRY
To our love affair.
STEPHANIE
God forbid.
Harry CLINKS their flutes and they drink. Stephanie grimaces

before swallowing. Harry soon spits out his drink into the
flameless candle on the table.
HARRY
Hey, this stuff ain’t champagne,
it’s just sparkling wine!
Stephanie tries to quickly dab the mess with a NAPKIN.
We see Julian and Toni arrive and sit at a table across the
room. Julian pulls out Toni’s chair for her.
Harry sees them.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Oh. There they are. Quick.
STEPHANIE
Quick what?
Harry puts down his flute.
HARRY
Act natural, romantic. Flirt with
me.
STEPHANIE
You want me to act natural and
flirt with you at the same time?
And people think I’m green.
Toni sees Stephanie and Harry.
TONI
Julian look, it’s your wife.
JULIAN
My wife?
48.
TONI
Yeah, over there with that man.
Must be her boyfriend.
Seeing Julian and Toni, Stephanie does the “movie theater

yawn”, and awkwardly puts her arm around Harry.
Julian winces.
JULIAN
Well, you insisted on seeing him.
TONI
I know, but I feel like a spy.
JULIAN
Uh, how do you know that’s her
boyfriend?
TONI
Who else could it be? I mean, look
at them. They’re so affectionate
with each other.
Harry grins wide, while Stephanie strains to do the same.
JULIAN
Yes, they are.
Harry feels up Stephanie’s arm, and Stephanie downs the rest

of her flute.
Julian cringes.
Harry puts down Stephanie’s arm as she swallows.
HARRY
Hey, go easy on that stuff! I’m not
sure I can pay for it!
From her pocket under the table, Stephanie slips some MONEY
into Harry’s hand.
STEPHANIE
Courtesy of Dr. Winston.
She wipes her hand on her blouse before grabbing the bottle.
HARRY
Thank you, Julian. But why’d he
give it to you?
Stephanie starts pouring more champagne.

49.
STEPHANIE
Tell me, Mr. Greenfeld, can you die
of cirrhosis in one sitting?
HARRY
Me?
STEPHANIE
No, me.
Putting the money in his pocket, Harry looks to Toni and

Julian’s table as Stephanie puts down the bottle.
HARRY
I don’t think they’ve noticed us.
We better push things a bit. Let’s
dance.
STEPHANIE
What?
Stephanie puts down her flute, before Harry takes her by the
hand to the dance floor. We hear the instrumental of “Do It
Again” by Steely Dan in the background.
On the dance floor, Stephanie stiffly and awkwardly tries to

dance with Harry.
Julian tries to hide his cringing.
JULIAN
She dances too.
TONI
Everything about your wife seems to
surprise you.
JULIAN
Well, it’s been so long since we’ve
really communicated.
TONI
Come on, Julian, I wanna look at
them closer.
She takes Julian by the hand over to the dance floor.
Harry grabs Stephanie by her waist and she swats his hand
away.
STEPHANIE
Stop that!
50.
HARRY
Hey, I’m only human!
STEPHANIE
Do you have that in writing, by any
chance?
She accidentally bumps into Julian.
Oh, I’m sorry.
JULIAN
Well talk about coincidence.
TONI
Hi, Mrs. Winston!
STEPHANIE
I, uh, want you to meet...
HARRY
I’m Harry Greenfeld, the boyfriend.
STEPHANIE
Uh, Harry, this is my husband, Dr.
Julian Winston.
Harry enthusiastically shakes Julian’s hand.
HARRY
Good to meet ya, old chap. I’ve
heard a lot about you.
(to Toni)
Well aren’t you a sprite for sore
eyes.
JULIAN
This is Toni, my fiancee.
TONI
You wanna join us for a drink?
STEPHANIE
No. Well, I...
TONI
Unless, you two wanna be alone?
STEPHANIE
Hell no! I mean... we’re all
civilized people.
51.
HARRY
Hey, why don't you two come over to
our table? This party's on me.
Toni and Julian follow Stephanie and Harry to their table.
TONI
What do you think of him?
JULIAN
Ask me later.
As the four sit, Julian pulls out Toni’s chair for her. Toni
looks to Stephanie as Harry sits down, leaving Stephanie to
pull out her own chair.
Once Julian sits, he turns to Stephanie.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
You know, it’s strange to see you
in a place like this. I never knew
you were such a swinger.
Stephanie looks mortified.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
I-I mean, I didn’t know you liked
to go out. This place is giving me
the wrong vocabulary.
STEPHANIE
Uh, what my husband meant to say
was, that he tends to think of me
as an utter workaholic.
TONI
Oh, of course. Doctors, am I right?
How do you like doctors, Mr.
Greenfeld?
HARRY
With warm hands.
(laughs)
No one else at the table laughs.
JULIAN
(beat)
That's just the kind of joke made
by a man trying to break the
tension.
52.
HARRY
Well, you know, that’s what doctors
are also for. I could never go into
that field myself.
TONI
And what is it you do, Mr.
Greenfeld?
HARRY
I’m an actor. You may have seen me
in such fine motion pictures as
“Sam’s Lake”, “Punxsutawney Pines”,
and “Godzilla”.
TONI
“Godzilla”?
STEPHANIE
Yes, he was the giant creature
terrorizing the city.
TONI
But isn’t acting a very insecure
profession, Mr. Greenfeld?
HARRY
Only financially. That’s quite a
girl you got there, Julian. I hear
it's gonna happen very soon between
you two.
JULIAN
As soon as we can make it.
TONI
Julian, I don’t think now’s the
right time to...
JULIAN
Oh come on, Toni. We have nothing
to hide from these people.
Harry puts his arm around Stephanie.
HARRY
Yeah, Stephanie and I have nothing
to hide from each other either.
Stephanie starts to look visibly uncomfortable.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Look at her blushing. Isn't she
cute?
(MORE)
53.
HARRY (CONT’D)
She may be all cool and calm in
public but when we're alone
together, hoo boy...
Stephanie’s discomfort grows.
HARRY (O.S.) (CONT’D)

Well, of course you’d know more
than anybody, Doctor. She's a
real...
He notices her demeanor.
HARRY (CONT’D)
(beat)
Let’s have a drink, shall we?
JULIAN
I forgot. I’m driving.
HARRY
Well I’ll have another one. This
party sure is dying.
Statuesque redhead GAIL STRACHAN, 34, comes to the table.
GAIL
I’m sorry I’m late, Harry. The
coach tripped a kid again. Oh,
hello.
STEPHANIE
Uh, won’t you sit down?
HARRY
No, she won’t. We gotta talk now.
It’s business.
GAIL
Well, did we have a date, or didn’t
we?
HARRY
Gail, shh! Will you excuse us,
she’s covering me for the Geminis.
I’ll be right back.
He leaves, taking Gail with him. Julian shakes his head,

while Toni is shocked. Stephanie doesn’t react.
EXT. MODERN CAFE - NIGHT
Harry exits the bar with Gail.

54.
GAIL
What’s going on?
HARRY
Quiet, or you’ll be stuck with your
old teeth.
This is the first time Gail has heard of this.
GAIL
(beat)
What?!
Back at the table, Stephanie takes her CLUTCH and stands.
STEPHANIE
I’m sorry, will you two excuse me?
I have to use the washroom.
TONI
You want me to go with you?
STEPHANIE
(reserved)
No, I’ll be alright.
She leaves, and Toni looks at Julian.
TONI
Well, Julian?
JULIAN
What is it now, Toni?
TONI
He’s a bum!
JULIAN
Oh, well, I wouldn’t say that...
TONI
You didn't catch it, but earlier I
saw her slip some money to him
under the table.
JULIAN
That doesn’t mean anything.
TONI
And check out that woman with him
there.
55.
Through the window, we see Harry talking to Gail.
JULIAN (O.S.)
Well I wasn’t paying much
attention.
TONI (O.S.)
She’s clearly hanging on his every
word!
EXT. MODERN CAFE - NIGHT
Harry is still trying to explain to Gail.
HARRY
Now look, I could give you a dozen
explanations, but you might as well
know the truth.
(beat)
I'm an agent for the CIA.
GAIL
(beat)
You’re Canadian.
HARRY
That’s my cover. A Van Isle Zamboni
driver with a promising acting
career. So if you ever see me in
public with another woman, you have
to pretend not to know me, or it
could put my life in great danger.
GAIL
No, we wouldn’t want that now,
would we?
Toni and Julian argue at the table.
JULIAN
Well it doesn't matter what we
think of him. It's my wife who
loves him.
TONI
Loves him? Didn’t you see how tense
she was? How uncomfortable?
56.
JULIAN
(beat)
I guess that was rather hard to
miss, wasn’t it?
TONI
We’ve got to save her from that
man.
JULIAN
Toni, this is a bar, not a medieval
quest. He’s probably had too much
to drink.
TONI
How can you defend him? I’m angry
enough that you were so chummy with
him. Julian, my respect for you is
going down by the minute.
Julian knows what he has to do, though he’s a little

hesitant. He stands, as does Toni, her eyes squarely fixed on
him. We hear the music fade to the instrumental of “No One to
Depend On” by Santana.
At the door, we see Gail leave outside and Harry come back
in. Julian confronts him.
HARRY
Hey, this party still going on?
JULIAN
Not for you, Mr. Greenfeld.
HARRY
Huh?
JULIAN
I don't like the way you treated my
wife.
HARRY
I said she was cute!
JULIAN
And I don't like how you did it in
front of my girl either. I want you
to leave quietly and never see my
wife again.
HARRY
Hey wait a minute...
57.
JULIAN
And if I hear you've been bothering
Stephanie again, I'll knock all
your teeth out!
HARRY
You’ll have to put ‘em back in,
mister!
JULIAN
Get out!
He swiftly pushes Harry out the door. Outside, we see Harry
run away.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
That’ll learn ‘im.
TONI
Julian, I’ve never seen you being
so physical before. You were
magnificent.
JULIAN
Ah, it was nothin’.
Stephanie emerges from off-screen.
STEPHANIE
Where’d Harry go?
TONI
Julian stood up to him and threw
him out. You should’ve seen him. He
was beautiful.
Stephanie looks to Julian.
STEPHANIE
Did he?
(pause)
Thank you.
(beat)
Well, I feel a bit tired, I should
be heading home.
TONI
Wait, alone? In this part of town?
Stephanie leaves some MONEY on her table to cover the bill.
STEPHANIE
Well, sure. I mean, I walked here.
58.
TONI
Well wait a second. Julian can
drive you home.
STEPHANIE
Oh, no, I couldn’t impose...
TONI
Oh he’d be glad to, won’t you,
Julian?
JULIAN
Well...
TONI
So it’s settled.
STEPHANIE
Uh, thank you, Toni.
Stephanie starts to head out.
JULIAN
(to Toni)
You’re a great little fixer. I’ll
leave her there, then we’ll head
back to your place.
TONI
No, Julian. Stay with her tonight.
JULIAN
What?
(beat)
What am I gonna do with her?
TONI
You’re gonna be very nice.
JULIAN
Now wait a second...
TONI
You’re gonna be very nice, to
please me.
Julian looks at her before motioning her to follow him out.
EXT. RESIDENTIAL STREET - NIGHT
As wind SWEEPS through the trees, we see Julian’s car drive

down the street.
59.
With Toni long since dropped off, Julian drives Stephanie,

who sits in the passenger’s seat.
STEPHANIE
Doctor, I know how much you wanna
get back to Toni, so as soon as you
drop me off...
JULIAN
I’m not going back there.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
What?
JULIAN
Toni thought you looked so sad and
humiliated, she told me to stay
with you.
STEPHANIE
With me?
JULIAN
As far as she’s concerned, I spent
the night at your house just to
look after you. Nothing happened.
STEPHANIE
Good.
JULIAN
And I’ve thought it all over.
Tomorrow, I’m gonna tell her the
truth. I’ll buy her something nice,
tell her the truth, and then we can
get married.
STEPHANIE
Good.
JULIAN
But if she finds out I’ve been
lying to her, she’s liable to...
It’s all your fault, you know.
STEPHANIE
My fault?
60.
JULIAN
Yes! You did all you could to make
me look like an insensitive jerk!
Look, Harry was trying his best.
STEPHANIE
That I know.
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon, you are what Webster’s
defines as a cold fish! I'm only
telling you this for your own good.
STEPHANIE
Funny how when people insult you,
they always do it for your own
good.
JULIAN
In your life, Ms. Dixon, you’ve
become utterly complacent. You’re
afraid to live!
STEPHANIE
Doctor, if all the stunts you,
Harry, and so many other men pull
is living, then lock me up and
throw away the key!
JULIAN
(beat)
Even so, Ms. Dixon, you don’t even
try to be sociable once in a while!
You’re afraid of emotion, afraid
of... intimacy! You’re afraid of
taking a chance!-
STEPHANIE
Well don’t you think I know that?!-
JULIAN
Then why then?!-
STEPHANIE
Because I’m still a-!
Stephanie quickly falls silent.
Julian just as quickly realizes.
Mortified, they turn away from each other.
Julian soon looks back at her, speechless.

61.
JULIAN
(pause)
You’re a... You mean, you’ve never
even kissed anyo... Oh, god, Ms.
Dixon, I am so sorry. I didn’t mean
to embarrass you, you must believe
me.
Stephanie looks out her window.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
You know what’s funny, Doctor? I
used to think someone, out there,
had me in some force field, as if
to say, “I’m saving this one for
someone special.”
(beat)
It sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it?
(pause)
Turn right at the next corner.
Concerned, Julian obliges. We hear from the next scene the

sound of Julian’s passenger door CLOSING.
EXT. JULIAN’S CAR - NIGHT
Stephanie leaves Julian’s car and heads to her door. Julian

turns on his radio, which plays the pre-chorus to “Hide in
Your Shell” by Supertramp.
Julian looks out in Stephanie’s direction for a long moment.
EXT. JULIAN’S CAR - NIGHT
Looking back, Julian’s expression turns to frustrated guilt,

and he drives off, his engine ROARING. The song continues
into the next scene.
INT. STEPHANIE’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Stephanie enters and leans back against her door to SHUT it.
She takes a deep breath and looks up to hold back her tears,
looking back down to see...
...her CACTUS on her couch’s side table.

62.
Going to water it with a half-filled CUP from the table,

Stephanie empties the cup, only to prick her thumb on the
cactus.
Stephanie puts her thumb to her lips to stop the bleeding,

her eyes welling in pain, before going off to her bedroom. We
pan down to the lone cactus. The song ends.
We pan past some finished clay SCULPTURES, one of them being

the rooster sculpture, followed by a one of a cracked egg. We
then see Toni, apron off and clean-handed, putting away
SUPPLIES.
Julian, his face having the slightest stubble, enters,

holding a GIFT BOX wrapped in a blue ribbon.
Toni turns to see him.
TONI
Julian!
JULIAN
Hey there, Magpie.
Toni hugs him and they kiss.
TONI
What are you doing here?
JULIAN
Oh, I was just in the neighborhood
and thought I’d see the old folks
lawn bowl. I brought you a present.
He gives her the box, and Toni takes it, puts it on the front
teaching table and undoes its ribbon, taking out a golden
lace SHAWL.
TONI
Oh, Julian, it’s beautiful.
From the box, she takes out a business CARD.
TONI (CONT’D)
“Your next appointment is on...”
JULIAN
Flip it over.
TONI
“Grateful.” How sweet.
63.
JULIAN
Try it on.
Toni tries on the shawl.
TONI
Okay, Julian, what is it?
JULIAN
Now what makes you think I have an
ulterior motive, Magpie?
TONI
Well, you don’t find a lace shawl
like this just anywhere.
JULIAN
Well, uh, Toni, as a matter of
fact... There was something I
needed to tell you. It’s, uh...
TONI
Your wife?
She takes off the shawl and puts it in the box.
TONI (CONT’D)
I get it.
JULIAN
You do?
TONI
Last night, you and she... for old
times’ sake...
JULIAN
Oh come on, Toni, that’s absurd!
TONI
No, Julian, it’s alright. It was me
who told you to be nice to her.
JULIAN
Exactly!
TONI
Of course, it was up to you to
decide how nice...
JULIAN
Dammit, Toni, nothing happened.
Really. It’s... You see, the fact
is... Stephanie...
64.
TONI
Yeah?
JULIAN
Well, she... she’s...
TONI
Oh come on, Julian, you know me. I
can forgive anything but a lie.
JULIAN
Oh, forget it.
TONI
No, wait. Let me help you. You have
a problem with Stephanie, right?
JULIAN
Never mind, Toni.
TONI
She drinks?
JULIAN
No.
TONI
She steals?
JULIAN
No.
TONI
She takes acid? No, where would she
get it?
JULIAN
(sighs)
I feel terrible just thinking about
it.
TONI
Well I’m sure Stephanie’s no
nymphomaniac...
Julian’s expression changes.
TONI (CONT’D)
(beat)
I guessed it? That’s what you came
here to tell me?
(pause)
Wow.
65.
JULIAN
(pause)
What can I tell you, except that my
wife is a slave to her desires?
TONI
Well that’s a mild way of putting
it. Oh, what am I saying? I sound
just horrible.
JULIAN
Well, you can imagine what things
have been like. It’s just too
painful to talk about.
Toni hugs her arms behind his neck.
TONI
You poor thing. Well you need to
file for divorce and make a clean
break. For both of your’s sake. All
that effort she must put on in
public, just to control herself
around you.
JULIAN
I will, Toni. First thing Monday
morning, I’m marching right up to
that courthouse and filing the
papers myself.
Toni kisses him.
TONI
You still on for the ball tomorrow?
It’ll be fun. There’s a dance
floor, a band, and a golden Venus
de Milo up for auction.
JULIAN
I already got my golden Venus right
here.
TONI
You sweet man, you.
She kisses his cheek before feeling his stubble with her
hand.
TONI (CONT’D)
Oh, of all the times for your
stubble to be its absolute softest.
Julian kisses her back.

66.
JULIAN
I’ll be there. Love you, Magpie.
He kisses her again and leaves, Toni smiling.
INT. BOWEN COMPLEX HALLWAY - DAY
Julian exits through the back door, while Ian goes to Toni’s
classroom door soon after, neither seeing the other.
Ian enters, looking around.
TONI
Hi Ian, what are you doing here?
IAN
Thought I’d pop in and see if
someone made the inevitable phallic
sculpture.
TONI
Sure, Ian.
IAN
I’m staging my newest adaptation
here next week. “The Epic of Buster
Friend”, but instead it’s about
Klinton Spilsbury.
TONI
Ian, that’s obscure even for you.
How’s your newest original play
going?
IAN
Oh, rather swimmingly, as a matter
of fact. It’s about a man going
through a mid-life crisis who meets
a young, chirpy blonde in her
twenties and of course, is as
confused as ever.
TONI
The man, or the blonde?
Ian slyly smiles.
TONI (CONT’D)
Very funny, wiseguy.
67.
IAN
Anyways, I’m still working on the
tone of it. You wanna come by and
read it?
TONI
Oh, Ian, I’d love to, but you know,
if I did, I wouldn’t be able to see
the actors, non-verbal cues,
cultural context...
IAN
Good point.
He spots a POTTERY WHEEL by Toni’s table. He sits on a chair

behind it and “croons” as he pretends to mold imaginary
“clay”.
IAN (CONT’D)
“Ohhhhhhhh maaaaaaahhhhhh
looooooove, maaaaah
daaaaaaarlin’...
TONI
(laughs)
Ian, that one’s older than both of
us. That, and to do so would
require you to be dead.
Ian steps away from the wheel.
IAN
You’re a kook, Toni. But a nice
kook.
Toni looks down at the shawl, still in its box in front of

her. Ian comes and stands beside her.
IAN (CONT’D)
Dr. Winston give you that?
TONI
It’s absolutely gorgeous.
IAN
But what?
TONI
(sighs)
I didn’t have the heart to tell
him. My mother knit one just like
this when she was pregnant with me.
Helped with her stress, and, well,
the gossip...
68.
Ian looks at Toni with empathy.
IAN
(beat)
Still, it was nice of the doctor to
give you it. How’d you and he meet,
anyway?
TONI
Well, one day, last spring, he went
through my till at Save-On. He was
buying an Angus steak, two Hungry
Man dinners, and an Ambrosia apple.
Said it was his first home-cooked
meal. And, well, he was just so
adorable saying it, even though I
could see it coming a mile away. He
didn’t have his Save-On-More card,
so I punched in the discount for
him.
(pause)
You know, he and my mother are all
I have. That’s why I’ve been so
careful with him. We have an
understanding. These days, it’s so
hard to be certain, in the face of
uncertainty.
Ian looks on, but then nods.
TONI (CONT’D)
(sighs)
I’ve put Stephanie through so much,
haven’t I?
Toni includes the “Grateful” card on top of the shawl before

re-tying the ribbon. She gives the box to Ian.
TONI (CONT’D)
Can you drop this off at her house?
She lives at 978 Millstone Avenue.
But don’t let her see you.
IAN
Uh, sure, Toni. I’ll go that way.
TONI
Thanks, Ian, I really appreciate
it.
IAN
See ya.
69.
TONI
Bye.
Once Ian leaves, Toni, curious, sits down in front of the

pottery wheel. She molds imaginary “clay” and croons.
TONI (CONT’D)
“Ohhhhhhhh maaaaaaahhhhhh
looooooove, maaaaah
daaaaaaarlin’...”
(laughs)
We see Stephanie’s side table, her cactus surrounded by

various bottles of turmeric capsules, kombucha, and apple
cider vinegar. We hear her house phone RINGING. It goes
unanswered. We then pan to a sad Stephanie, snuggled on her
couch and bundled in a blanket.
The phone stops ringing as we see “Superman” on Stephanie’s

T.V., namely Superman carrying Lois Lane’s dead body and
laying it gently on the ground.
We then hear Stephanie’s DOORBELL ring, followed by the sound

of Ian’s car SPEEDING off.
EXT. STEPHANIE’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Opening the door, Stephanie looks out, not seeing any cars,
before spotting Toni’s GIFT BOX on the front doorstep.
Picking it up, she opens the box and picks up the CARD.
STEPHANIE
“Grateful”...
We see her hand flip over the card to see the Winston Dental
logo.
Stephanie is confused.
MONTAGE: SET TO “ALL OVER THE WORLD” BY ELO.
EXT. WATERFRONT LOOKOUT AREA - DAY
We see a seagull fly in the sky, panning down to a seaplane

landing on the water.
We pan further down to see Toni enthusiastically handing out

arts benefit flyers to passing TOWNSPEOPLE.
70.
Ian, sitting under a tree, writes in his NOTEBOOK before

seeing Toni. Finishing his writing, he smiles as he takes his
nearby BOOK, a copy of “Impersonators Anonymous”, to read.
EXT. PARK BENCH - DAY
As Stephanie sits and drinks from a WATER BOTTLE, a passing

VOLUNTEER puts a benefit FLYER on the bench, which Stephanie
peers at.
INT. HOCKEY ARENA - DAY
Harry sees a benefit POSTER on the bulletin board, and,

seeing no one else, takes the poster off and puts it in his
jacket.
EXT. CHARLIE’S - DAY
Walking by, Stephanie sees the sign and decides to go in.
INT. CHARLIE’S - DAY
Stephanie is brought a POUTINE and a glass of BEER by the

SERVER. She happily eats some poutine, but when she tries a
sip of beer, she immediately grimaces and spits it out into
her NAPKIN. Mrs. Durant, sitting at the bar counter nearby,
happily takes the beer from Stephanie.
INT. BENEFIT ROOM - DAY
Toni puts up various DECORATIONS with some COLLEAGUES.
EXT. ANNA’S DRESS SHOP - DAY
Stephanie sees a display of 70s era DRESS MANNEQUINS. She

sees her reflection on the window.
INT. BENEFIT ROOM - DAY
Toni carefully sets down some SCULPTURES along the room,

nearly dropping the GOLDEN VENUS DE MILO near the front of
the room, an area designated for guest entrances and photo
ops.
71.
INT. STEPHANIE’S HOUSE - DAY
Panning across Stephanie’s counter, we see her hand take her

benefit FLYER, then the SHAWL. We then pan up to her T.V.,
where we see Superman fly with Lois off her apartment roof.
END OF MONTAGE.
EXT. BEBAN CENTRE - NIGHT
We see the Centre’s sign:
NANAIMO ARTS COUNCIL BENEFIT, SAT JUNE 18.
____________________________
INT. BENEFIT ROOM - NIGHT
We hear “Do Ya” by ELO in the background.
Along with other VOLUNTEERS, Toni, in a white dress, is

slightly adjusting some DECORATIONS.
Julian enters, dressed in the same suit as at the Modern

Cafe, but with a red tie.
TONI
Julian!
Toni runs to him and hugs him with a kiss.
TONI (CONT’D)
So, what do you think?
JULIAN
I think you scared the Venus away.
TONI
Not me, silly. The room!
Julian looks around the decor, a classy late-70s theme. He

smiles.
JULIAN
I could get used to this.
He walks with Toni a bit and sees the empty stage by the
front of the room.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Hey, uh, Magpie?
72.
TONI
Yeah Julian?
JULIAN
If this is an arts benefit, where’s
the band?
TONI
Oh. Well, the Bowen Eclectic Band
was booked to go on first, but they
had to cancel last minute.
Something about a Zamboni driver
injuring the bass player. You ever
heard of such a thing?
JULIAN
No, I haven’t.
We see the benefit’s other ATTENDEES entering the room.
TONI
Showtime.
She points in the direction of the outside hallway’s

washroom.
TONI (CONT’D)
I’ll be just a minute, Julian.
She pecks him on the cheek before leaving.
Julian spots Harry enter the room and sit down at his own
table. Julian goes to him.
JULIAN
Hello, Harry. How are you?
HARRY
How am I? I’m sore as hell, that’s
how am I.
JULIAN
What did you do to that bass
player?
HARRY
You mean the contractor’s kid? I
saw him talking to Gail.
JULIAN
Harry...
73.
HARRY
It was an accident! I told him to
leave my girl alone, and he made up
some story about her asking him
‘bout the new arena. I slipped on
the ice and just fell on him.
JULIAN
“Just fell”? Like you did with
Trina McNamara at our senior prom?
HARRY
You still mad about that? You
barely even knew her.
JULIAN
I barely got the chance, before you
whisked her away! Or how about your
unauthorized bathtub racer? Or the
homemade plane? Or the time you
took sleeping pills while driving
on the Coquihalla!? Every time I
turn around, you do something
stupid! Now I know why Stephanie
hates your guts.
HARRY
We had a deal, Winston. Gail still
needs her new teeth.
JULIAN
And you still haven’t paid up.
HARRY
No way. That’s my compensation for
the other night. And I know you
didn’t come up with that stunt on
your own, either.
JULIAN
(beat)
Look, Harry, Toni may have been the
one to tell me to throw you out...
But the more I’ve thought about it,
the more I realize you’re nothing
but a freeloading, opportunistic
leech!
HARRY
(beat)
You realize this now?
JULIAN
And Stephanie is my friend!
74.
HARRY
She is?
JULIAN
And if you had any sense left in
that balding melon of yours, you’d
butt out if you know what’s good
for ya.
HARRY
I never butted in!
JULIAN
Give me that money, Harry!
HARRY
Fine! Fine! Take it! Take it!
Harry takes out MONEY from his pocket.
Julian takes the money and marches up to the DONATIONS BOX by

the back door and puts it in.
Gail, at the bar counter by Harry’s table, turns around to

talk to Harry.
GAIL
Harry, if you work for the CIA, how
come you hang around with dentists?
HARRY
Oh, him? Oh, he’s installing a bug
in my wisdom tooth.
GAIL
Really?
The BARTENDER gives Gail a DRINK, which she takes.
GAIL (CONT’D)
So Harry, tell me more about this
contractor’s son...
Julian returns to Toni at their table and sits.
TONI
What were you doing with that awful
man?
JULIAN
Pledging his staying away from Mrs.
Winston.
He smiles at her. Toni smiles back and rests on his shoulder.

75.
TONI
You know, Julian, it’s so nice to
see you doing something for the
arts.
We see Ian enter the room, in a decent suit himself.
JULIAN
Yeah...
Ian goes to their table.
IAN
Toni. Dr. Winston.
JULIAN
What brings you here, Sullivan?
IAN
I’m here tonight to ask the council
to approve a new grant for the Port
Theatre. It shouldn’t just be on
the little guy’s shoulders.
Julian is suspicious.
JULIAN
No, it shouldn’t.
Ian goes to the displayed sculptures at the other side of the

room.
TONI
Is my Julian jealous?
JULIAN
I don’t show jealousy, Toni, I
invite it.
Toni smiles and hugs Julian’s shoulder.
EXT. SUNSET ROAD - NIGHT
In the shadows of the sunset, we see a P.O.V. shot from

Stephanie’s bike wheels, riding to the Centre, her dress’s
hem flowing in the wind.
We also see a far shot of her riding, entirely in silhouette.

76.
Julian is worried. In the background, we hear “So Fine” by

ELO.
TONI
Julian, are you alright? What’s the
matter?
JULIAN
It’s Stephanie. Last time I saw
her, she was in such bad shape. I
called her house again today, but
she never picked up.
TONI
Julian, she has a problem you just
can’t fix. You have to live with
that. She has to get better for
herself, and only for herself.
JULIAN
Yeah.
(pause)
I should’ve been better to her.
TONI
Julian, it’s all in the past.
JULIAN
(beat)
The past was all that.
Toni tries to lighten the mood.
TONI
(pause)
Come on, let’s dance.
She takes him to the dance floor. Julian moves only slightly
as Toni moves to the music, but soon he dances more, enjoying
the song. They notice the Attendees around them gradually
stop dancing. They turn around to see.
At the front of the room, the crowd of Attendees parts to

reveal Stephanie, coming to stand regally near (but not
beside) the golden Venus statue, wearing her new plunging
black dress and the golden SHAWL.
Julian is taken aback.
Stephanie proudly smiles a little at Julian.
Julian and Toni look on in awe.

77.
At Harry’s table, Gail and Harry see Stephanie.
GAIL
Hey Harry, isn’t that your cover
date from the other night?
HARRY
I do believe you’re right, Ms.
Strachan.
GAIL
Who is she?
HARRY
That’s the, uh, dentist’s wife.
Gail points in Julian and Toni’s direction.
GAIL
Well then who’s that with the
dentist?
We see Toni and Julian, still in awe at seeing Stephanie.
HARRY (O.S.)
That’s his fiancee.
GAIL
So he has a wife and a fiancee?
HARRY
Hey, it’s better than having two
wives.
GAIL
His, or other men’s?
(beat)
Well then who’s the guy that was
with the doctor and his fiancee?
HARRY
That’s her boyfriend, I guess.
Confused, Gail takes another sip of her drink.
We hear “Don’t Bring Me Down” by ELO, as Stephanie, walking

onto the dance floor, starts to dance.
Stephanie feels the music run through her as she dances.
Soon, she spurs the other Attendees to start dancing with

each other again.
Julian and Toni are still fixated watching Stephanie.

78.
Soon, Ian joins Stephanie on the dance floor.
IAN
Well hello there. Haven’t seen you
‘round these parts before. Name’s
Ian Sullivan. I’m a writer.
STEPHANIE
Harlequin or Hardy Boys?
IAN
Cheeky.
STEPHANIE
I may be a prude, Mr. Sullivan, but
aren’t I old enough to be your
mother?
IAN
I wouldn’t be the first man to
write about such a thing. That’s
quite a dance you’ve got there.
What do you call it?
STEPHANIE
The Ms. Teschmacher. Minus the
restraints, of course.
IAN
Classic cool. And you, my dear, are
one earthy, sexy lady.
STEPHANIE
Is that a gun in your pocket, or
your umbilical cord?
Stephanie looks over to Julian and Toni, whose eyes are fixed
right on her and Ian.
Ian sees Stephanie looking before noticing Toni’s shawl on

her.
IAN
No. You? You’re...?
We hear “Don’t Bring Me Down” dissolve into “Evil Woman” by

ELO.
STEPHANIE
Young man, this gives me an idea...
She whispers in Ian’s ear. Ian smiles and he and Stephanie

wrap their arms around each other as they start to dance
together.
79.
As they try and dance, Julian and Toni start getting

suspicious.
JULIAN
Your friend Ian seems real
interested in Stephanie.
TONI
What do you mean, Ian? She’s the
one all over him. If only he
knew...
They see Ian spin Stephanie from and back to his arm. He and
Stephanie exchange seemingly flirtatious looks. Ian places
his hand on Stephanie’s waist.
JULIAN
(to self)
No, that’s impossible...
Ian and Stephanie continue to dance.
IAN
Let’s run away and live on your
CPP.
STEPHANIE
With your student loans? Not bloody
likely.
They continue to dance, enjoying the song.
Gail still stands with Harry.
GAIL
So right now, she’s surrounded by
her husband, her husband’s fiancee,
and the fiancee’s boyfriend, who
also happens to be her boyfriend?
HARRY
(confused)
Uh, yeah, I guess so.
GAIL
Huh.
HARRY
What? That some sort of scoop or
something?
GAIL
No, it sounds like “A Midsummer
Night’s Tax Break”.
80.
She takes a NANAIMO BAR from a platter and takes a bite out
of it.
Ian and Stephanie dance more, enjoying the song’s string

sample as it plays.
Julian keeps his eyes squarely fixed on Ian and Stephanie as

Toni grows anxious.
TONI
Julian, you’ve got to break them
up. Ian doesn’t know what he’s in
for.
JULIAN
I couldn’t agree more.
TONI
She’ll eat him alive!
JULIAN
No she won’t!
TONI
How do you know?
JULIAN
Because she’s a virg-... Because
she has an aversion to frustrated
writers. Excuse me.
He leaves Toni.
Ian and Stephanie keep dancing close when Julian taps Ian on
the shoulder.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Excuse me, young man.
IAN
Oh, do I happen to have someone of
yours?
STEPHANIE
Julian, this isn’t what it...
JULIAN
Why him, Stephanie? Why this...
boy?
STEPHANIE
Boy? What about you and her over
there?
81.
JULIAN
This is not about that. Besides, an
older man with a younger woman is
no big deal...
IAN
Not to mention historical,
ridiculous, a great visual gag...
Julian looks at Ian.
JULIAN
But when it's the other way
around...
IAN
Well, older women should be with
younger women too. It’s inevitable
really.
JULIAN
Ian, shut up!
The song in the background fades out.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
I just think something is up when,
in full view of my fiancee, my
wife, wearing my fiancee’s shawl no
less, starts having eyes for my
fiancee’s neighbor!
Ian quickly slips away as Stephanie looks at him.
Ian’s stopped by Toni once he passes by her.
TONI
What’s he still doing with her?
Stephanie looks back at Julian.
STEPHANIE
Toni... You mean, you didn’t...
JULIAN
No!
(beat)
Stephanie, I know you at least a
little. This isn’t you. I am saying
this as a friend.
(beat)
You are more valuable and precious
than you will ever know.
(beat)
(MORE)
82.
JULIAN (CONT'D)
And you should never, ever feel bad
for waiting.
Stephanie is astonished.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Julian...
JULIAN
And that Ian is no good for you!
He sees Ian give himself away by looking away.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
You weren’t...
He turns to face Stephanie again.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
You were just trying to make me...
STEPHANIE
No, I was trying to make Toni...
JULIAN
(to self)
Toni... Winston, you idiot!
He goes off in the direction of the restroom.
STEPHANIE
Julian, wait!
She follows him out.
Toni, who saw their conversation, talks with Ian.
TONI
How could you dance with her like
that?
IAN
She asked me to!
(beat)
You were worried about me?
TONI
Of course I was worried, Ian. She’s
a nymphomaniac! That’s why he’s
leaving her!
83.
IAN
(beat)
Toni, I think your fiancee’s got it
backwards. Look, she wanted to make
you see that she didn’t want him.
TONI
Well she told me she didn’t want
him. But now...
IAN
(dumbfounded)
Toni, if that woman’s a
nymphomaniac, then I’m Buffy St.
Marie.
TONI
He wants her back, I know it!
IAN
You don’t know that!
TONI
I gotta get out of here.
IAN
Wait, all alone? I should go with
you!
Toni leaves, Ian following.
INT. BEBAN CENTRE HALLWAY - NIGHT
Stephanie walks down the hall to the washroom, looking around

before she goes to its door.
INT. BEBAN CENTRE WASHROOM - NIGHT
Stephanie pushes open the door and enters, looking around. We

hear echoes of DRIPPING WATER, an old fan HUMMING in the
background, and subtle WINDS from the open window screen.
Stephanie’s voice ECHOES as she speaks.
STEPHANIE
Julian? Are you in here?
No answer. She looks at the stall before her. Her eyes well
up. Her heart grows heavy. Her mouth forms a little smile.
She takes a deep breath.
84.
(softly)
Julian? There’s something I have to
tell you...
Stephanie’s in a well of emotion, before she looks down at

the SHAWL, still around her arms. She knows whose happiness
is more important. We quickly hear the stall door UNLOCKING.
Stephanie immediately straightens up and regathers herself.
Julian exits the stall, which we see in the mirror.
Uh, what I meant to say was...
She follows Julian to the door and gently stops him as he

opens the door.
Go find Toni.
(beat)
Tell her I want the divorce.
Julian nods a little before going through the door, Stephanie

following him out.
Julian and Stephanie look around, but neither Toni or Ian are
anywhere to be found.
JULIAN
Where is that girl?
Councilman Drucker passes by.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Councilman, have you seen my
fiancee? Blonde, short-haired,
perky?
COUNCILMAN DRUCKER
I saw her leave with that young man
who asked me ‘bout the Port
Theatre.
JULIAN
Oh no, she wouldn’t...
STEPHANIE
Julian, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean
to...
85.
Julian runs out.
EXT. BEBAN CENTRE DOORS - NIGHT
As Julian runs out and looks, Harry and Gail are standing
nearby.
HARRY
Hey Julian, what’s going on?
JULIAN
Toni’s gone. She went with that kid
Ian.
HARRY
That skinny kid? Man, he’s got
better luck than I do!
Gail looks at Harry.
JULIAN
Well you’ve got better luck than
the owner of that car, Harry. It’s
getting towed aw... Hey!
We see Julian’s car being towed away from its spot.

That’s my car!
Behind Gail and Harry, Councilman Drucker comes out.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
I only parked there ‘cause it was
the only spot left! The bastard!
Julian runs off after the tow truck.
HARRY
Sorry Julian, that was me.
Harry immediately notices the tow truck also hauling away his
car.
HARRY (CONT’D)
Hey! I had only three unpaid
tickets!
(to Councilman Drucker)
Councilman!
Harry runs off after Julian and the tow truck into the night.
86.
COUNCILMAN DRUCKER
Sorry, I don’t cover parking
tickets!
Stephanie runs out, looking for Julian.
STEPHANIE
Julian, where are you?
COUNCILMAN DRUCKER
He’s getting towed.
Stephanie looks out into the night. She knows what she has to
do.
MONTAGE: SET TO “CHILD OF VISION” BY SUPERTRAMP.
EXT. BEBAN CENTRE DOORS - NIGHT
Stephanie runs to the bike rack by the doors. Unchaining her

bike, she gets on it, fastens on her HELMET, not bothering to
tighten the strap, and rides off into the night.
EXT. CITY STREETS - NIGHT
Julian runs up and down many streets trying to catch up.
EXT. DOWNTOWN STREETS - NIGHT
Stephanie bikes down several hills, trying to keep a safe

speed.
EXT. DOWNTOWN STREETS - NIGHT
Julian grows exhausted as he runs.
EXT. BUMPY STREET - NIGHT
Stephanie bikes, trying not to wobble on the cobblestone

street.
EXT. OLD INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT - NIGHT
An exhausted Julian pants in a close-up.

87.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
We then see a close-up of Stephanie, her hair under her

helmet blowing in the wind, as she nervously tries to look
out for traffic.
EXT. OLD INDUSTRIAL DISTRICT - NIGHT
Julian slows himself to a walk.
EXT. APARTMENT HILL - NIGHT
In a far shot, Stephanie is bathed by the glow of the

streetlights as she slows down.
EXT. TOWING GARAGE - NIGHT
Julian walks even slower and soon arrives at the garage, only
to find it closed.
EXT. TONI’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Stephanie leaves her bike and helmet under a nearby tarp and
heads for the building, stopping briefly, illuminated by the
building’s lights, before going on.
EXT. TOWING GARAGE - NIGHT
Julian walks off into the night, remembering the route to

Toni’s apartment. The song fades out.
END OF MONTAGE.
INT. APARTMENT HALLWAY - NIGHT
Toni, in her nightgown, opens her door to see Stephanie,

who’s accompanied by Ian. Stephanie’s shawl is now draped
behind her neck.
TONI
Mrs. Winston. What are you doing
here?
STEPHANIE
Ian here let me in.
(beat)
I have to talk to you.
88.
TONI
I don’t know...
IAN
While you’re here, Mrs. Winston,
would you like to read my newest
play?
STEPHANIE
(to Ian)
I’ll wait for the movie.
(beat)
Please, Toni. It’s really
important.
Toni looks at Ian, who leaves for his apartment.
Toni lets Stephanie in.
Stephanie enters and Toni closes the door behind them.
TONI
So, Ian promise to marry you too?
STEPHANIE
I’m not here about Ian.
(beat)
It’s about Julian.
TONI
What about him?
STEPHANIE
Julian... I mean I...
(pause)
(to self)
My god. It is hard to tell her.
TONI
Oh, I think I can guess.
(beat)
You’re pregnant.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
What?
TONI
That night you spent with Julian.
89.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
And I’d know two days later?
TONI
Well you are Mrs. Winston, after
all. That’s what everyone keeps
telling me. And the moment someone
else wants your husband, you want
him back!
STEPHANIE
That’s not true! I told him to go
find you after you left. He doesn’t
want to be with me!
TONI
And just how do you know, Mrs.
Winston?!
STEPHANIE
Because I’m not Mrs. Winston!
Stephanie, realizing, covers her mouth.
Toni is shocked.
TONI
(pause)
What did you say?
For a moment, Stephanie is speechless.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
I’m not Mrs. Winston. There is no
Mrs. Winston. Julian... Dr.
Winston, isn’t married. I’m his
dental hygienist.
TONI
(beat)
You’re Ms. Dickinson.
STEPHANIE
Dixon.
(beat)
He asked me to pose as his wife, so
you could let him marry you. I am
so sorry.
Toni shakes her head.
90.
TONI
This is a trick, isn't it? You're
trying to confuse me, so I'll do
something. Then you'll get to keep
him for yourself, and indulge him
with your... condition!
STEPHANIE
Believe me, Toni, he wouldn’t want
to indulge in my condition.
The truth sinks in for Toni.
TONI
(beat)
He lied to me. And you went along
with it!
STEPHANIE
He told me you almost fell from
your balcony.
TONI
And I told him, I wasn’t trying to
jump. He just didn’t listen!
STEPHANIE
The thought had occurred to me.
(beat)
Look, Toni, I know this must be a
great shock for you. Especially for
someone with your... youth and
idealism...
Toni is stewing with anger.
TONI
That dirty son of a bitch!
She turns away from Stephanie to think.
STEPHANIE
Toni, you know Julian loves you. He
wants to be with you!
TONI
Then why did he lie to me?!
Stephanie gently sits down on the chair behind Toni.
STEPHANIE
Maybe... you were the first woman
to like him for more than just his
job, or a thrill.
(MORE)
91.
STEPHANIE (CONT'D)
Maybe you were the first one who,
when he told you things about his
life that were true, you didn’t
judge him or make him feel
ashamed... Maybe somewhere, in his
subconscious, after so many years
in the same place, you were the one
person worth going all the way
for...
Toni turns to face Stephanie again. As she stands again,

Stephanie has become emotional.
He’s not a bad man, Toni, he
just... got scared... Sooner or
later, when he breaks down and
tells you, please, whatever you
decide to do, just... love him.
TONI
A man who lies cannot love.
STEPHANIE
But what if they lie out of love?
What if they lie... because they
want the person they love, but
can’t have, to be happy?
Stephanie realizes how this all sounds to Toni.
Toni’s expression changes, in turn.
Oh, god, Toni, I didn’t mean it
like...
TONI
Get out.
STEPHANIE
What?
TONI
Get out.
STEPHANIE
But-
TONI
(screaming)
Get out! Now!
92.
Stephanie runs and opens the door before running out. Toni
runs after her, SLAMMING her door.
INT. APARTMENT LOBBY - NIGHT
Stephanie runs down the stairs and into a storage room.
INT. APARTMENT STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT
Shutting the door, Stephanie breaks down into tears, sliding

down the door to sit on the floor. The room is illuminated by
moonlight.
INT. IAN’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Ian, combing his hair and dressed in just pajama pants, hears
a MEOW from outside his window.
IAN
Burton...
He goes and looks out from his window.
IAN (CONT’D)
Not again.
Toni is HUFFING, furious. She finally turns around.
TONI
Dirty, married bachelor!
She kicks the same PILLOW from before lying on the floor.
A KNOCK is heard at her front door.
TONI (CONT’D)
(angrily)
What?!
Ian opens the door.
TONI (CONT’D)
Oh.
IAN
Burton’s gone again, is he in here?
93.
TONI
Oh, no, I don’t think so.
Ian enters.
Julian enters, PANTING from his walk. He goes up the stairs,

not hearing anything else.
Ian is at Toni’s open balcony door.
IAN
Now don’t freak out. I’m gonna try
and see if he’s on the windowsill.
If he is, I can grab him from the
balcony.
TONI
Be careful.
IAN
I will. If you see him in here,
just knock three times. The
noise’ll freeze him right up.
TONI
Okay.
Ian goes through and closes the balcony door. FOOTSTEPS are
heard heading to the front door, and Toni gets an idea as a
KNOCK on it is heard. She opens it to reveal Julian, who
enters the room.
TONI (CONT’D)
Julian.
JULIAN
I’m sorry, Magpie. My car got
towed. You weren’t answering your
phone. What were you doing?
Toni shuts the door.
TONI
Getting rid of my lover.
94.
JULIAN
Oh, come on, Toni. Please. Look, I
came here to... Well, I have to
tell you something, and...
TONI
You’ve come to tell me the truth.
(beat)
You are going to tell me the truth,
aren’t you? Well, go ahead. I
promise you, everything will be all
right.
JULIAN
(exhales)
Thanks, sweetheart. You’re just
marvelous. This isn’t gonna be
easy, but, here it is. My wife,
Stephanie... My wife, Stephanie...
has changed her mind about the
divorce.
Toni feigns “sadness”, slightly over-acting it.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Try, try to remain calm, Magpie. It
was a blow to me too.
TONI
Well now, let's see if I can get
this straight. Your wife suddenly
refuses to let you divorce her?
JULIAN
It's hard to believe, isn't it?
Toni reacts with a “Yeah” expression.
TONI
When did she tell you this?
JULIAN
After you left. I fought like a
tiger. Pleaded with her. Offered
her money, the car, more money. She
said if she divorced me, well,
Magpie, in this province, she gets
half of everything. So, she's got
us over a barrel. I'm absolutely
sick about it.
TONI
So, what happens now?
95.
JULIAN
We’ll keep seeing each other. It’ll
be just like before.
TONI
(sarcastically)
Oh, good.
JULIAN
People don’t care about what their
dentist does outside the office.
You'll see, we'll be happier than
ever before.
TONI
Oh. Well, I guess it’s not such a
bad arrangement. You'll still have
your wife and me, and I'll still
have you. And Ian...
Julian double-takes.
JULIAN
Ian?
Toni smiles.
TONI
Ian.
JULIAN
Ian... But you said you were
just... You’ve been lying to me?
TONI
I'm ashamed to admit it. I know how
much you hate the thought of a lie.
JULIAN
Oh, cut the crap, Toni. You're just
putting me on. No one wants an
affair with Ian Sullivan!
Toni goes over and KNOCKS three times on her wall.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
What was that?
TONI
That's our signal that the coast is
clear and that he can come over.
96.
JULIAN
If I had thought for even one
moment that you and he... You
realize that if he walks through
that door, it's over between us?
TONI
I realize that.
Ian comes through Toni’s balcony door.
IAN
He here?
Julian is shocked.
JULIAN
(to Ian)
What are you doing coming from the
balcony like that?
Ian looks at Julian, then at Toni.
IAN
(to Toni)
He’s here.
Julian is speechless.
TONI
Julian, don't feel too bad about
this. You'll get over it...
Julian, feeling just how much he’s hurt her being thrown back
at him, gets the message.
JULIAN
(pause)
I'll be fine, Toni.
(pause)
I wish you all the best.
He looks to Ian, acknowledging him, before looking back at

Toni.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
So long, Magpie.
He quietly leaves. Toni softly shuts her door.
IAN
I seem to be getting a poor
reception everywhere tonight.
97.
Toni looks sad and unsatisfied.
IAN (O.S.) (CONT’D)

What’s the matter?
TONI
I dunno. You ever feel like the
chase turned out to be more fun
than the catch?
She goes and sits down on an ottoman near Ian.
IAN
I’m sure it had to happen. Karma’s
a bitch, you know. Not a bastard.
TONI
Yeah.
She pauses and turns to him.
TONI (CONT’D)
You knew?
IAN
Ol’ Burton was coming back through
my window when I heard the good
doctor’s speech.
(beat)
And just before that, I happened to
hear the semi-Mrs. Winston run out
of this apartment.
TONI
Not even “semi”, Ian. Stephanie’s
not his wife.
(beat)
God, no wonder.
IAN
What?
TONI
(pause)
I threw her out for telling the
truth.
Ian sees and picks up the PILLOW Toni had kicked.
TONI (CONT’D)
Maybe somewhere, in my
subconscious, I was looking for an
out with Julian... And when she
said what she said...
98.
Ian offers the pillow to Toni, who takes it and looks down at
it as he thinks.
IAN
How can it be your subconscious, if
you’re conscious of it?
(beat)
I should write that down.
He heads for the door before Toni has an epiphany and looks
up, standing.
TONI
Ian, wait!
Ian stops and turns.
Toni is now hugging the pillow.
TONI (CONT’D)
After you write that down and throw
on a plain white tee, how would you
like to have a sundae with me down
at the Dairy Queen? My treat.
She smiles.
Julian resignedly comes down the stairs. Once he reaches the

bottom, he stops a moment, before hearing the storage room
door OPEN. Stephanie steps out, her face having been wiped of
tears. Her shawl is around her arms again.
Julian doesn’t speak when he sees her. From this angle we

also see dust and dirt on the back of Stephanie’s dress.
Stephanie regathers herself.
STEPHANIE
Julian.
(beat)
Is everything alright?
JULIAN
(beat)
Toni and I have split up.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
No...
99.
JULIAN
I went to see her, and I told her
you didn’t want me to leave you.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
Why’d you have to go and lie,
Julian?
JULIAN
I don’t know.
STEPHANIE
Don’t you wanna marry her?
JULIAN
No. It’s always been a mistake.
Something must’ve been... holding
me back. And when I saw Ian in that
apartment, I finally knew it.
(beat)
I don’t think they actually did
anything, but... even still, I
deserved it.
(beat)
Coming down the stairs, it was like
the wind was knocked out of me. I
felt dazed, downtrodden...
deflated... But then suddenly, like
magic, my sadness disappeared, and
I felt this delicious sense of
relief. I thought to myself,
“Julian, thank God, at last you're
out of it. Now you can go home to
your wife.” I made it all the way
to the last step, before I
remembered. I had no wife. When I
got home... there’d be nobody.
Stephanie tears up again.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Stephanie, are you alright? What
are you doing here?
Stephanie starts to cry again.
Julian is struck by this.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Stephanie...
STEPHANIE
I deserve it! Everything she said!
100.
JULIAN
What?
STEPHANIE
I came here to tell her I was
letting you go, and I did, but...
I’m so sorry, Julian, it just
slipped out...
JULIAN
No, Stephanie, it’s not your
fault...
STEPHANIE
It is! It is!
JULIAN
Why?!
He looks in Stephanie’s teary eyes.
STEPHANIE
(beat)
I don’t know how exactly, or when,
but... I hate myself so much for
it...
JULIAN
(beat)
Tonight...
Stephanie cries more as she nods a little.
Julian realizes the truth himself. His gaze turns loving.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
Ms. Dixon... Stephanie... looking
at you, right now, even in tears...
You are the most beautiful, radiant
woman I’ve ever seen in my life.
STEPHANIE
Doctor, stop. You’re only saying
that because I dressed up and made
myself pretty...
JULIAN
No, it’s... brought out what’s
already there...
Stephanie looks up at him as he steps closer to her. We hear

the instrumental of “Strange Magic” by ELO.
101.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
And, now I know... someone,
somewhere, in my subconscious...
was saving me for someone
special...
STEPHANIE
Julian...
(beat)
You asshole...
Julian kisses her, and they hold each other, before breaking.
He wipes away her tears with his thumbs as he holds her face.
JULIAN
I should’ve done it sooner...
STEPHANIE
No. You were different then. So was
I.
JULIAN
I guess things do happen at the
right time, don’t they?
(beat)
My lovely Lois Lane.
STEPHANIE
My... lovely Perry White...
They smile and kiss again. The music fades out.
JULIAN
You know, we don’t have to get...
Stephanie gives Julian an unamused look. He glances down at

her body, then back up at her, before he SIGHS. Touched,
Stephanie smiles, hugs her arms behind his neck, and they
kiss deeply.
EXT. OSBORNE ORTHODONTICS AND DENTAL - DAY
We see Osborne’s sign, now with Julian’s name added onto it.
On-screen, we see the words “ONE YEAR LATER”.
INT. OSBORNE RECEPTION AREA - DAY
We see a NEWSPAPER being opened and read with the headline

“EX-COUNCILMAN DRUCKER CHARGED IN ARENA SCANDAL”, with the
bylines “Zamboni driver subpoenaed” and “by Gail Strachan”.
102.
STEPHANIE (O.S.)
Mrs. Durant?
The newspaper is lowered, and we see its reader, Mrs. Durant.
We see Stephanie, who holds a CLIPBOARD, standing next to

Osborne’s RECEPTIONIST’s desk.
Dr. Winston has your new bridgework
ready. Those caramels won’t stand a
chance.
Mrs. Durant leaves for Julian’s dental room. Stephanie flips

a page on her clipboard.
Alright, next is...
We see on the clipboard the name “SIMMONS, ANTONIA JEANNE”.
STEPHANIE (V.O.) (CONT’D)

Oh, no...
The clipboard is lowered to reveal Toni, standing up from her

chair.
An emotional Toni goes and gives Stephanie a big hug.
TONI
I’m sorry, Stephanie...
STEPHANIE
(sighs)
(softly)
Toni, we’ve been over this...
Stephanie turns her head to the Receptionist.
She better not need braces.
Toni breaks the hug, and Ian is there to give Stephanie a new
CLAY POT, which is adorned with little chickens and eggs.
IAN
A gift from both of us, Stephanie.
STEPHANIE
Thank you so much, Ian. Toni.
As Stephanie holds the pot and smiles, we see a shining gold

wedding ring on her ring finger.
103.
INT. OSBORNE DENTAL ROOM - DAY
As Mrs. Durant lays in the dentist’s chair, Julian preps for

her procedure.
Stephanie coyly enters, slinking herself over to Julian and

gently kissing him on his jaw. Julian turns to her.
JULIAN
Ms. Dixon, I have to tell you
something. It’s... a little
awkward, but...
STEPHANIE
Doctor, tell the truth.
JULIAN
(beat)
(softly)
Perhaps we, should’ve waited even
longer before... breaching the
Fortress of Solitude...
Stephanie feels Julian’s cheek and pecks his lips.
STEPHANIE
(softly)
I love you.
JULIAN
(softly)
I love you too.
They kiss again. Stephanie smiles bigger and grabs her

DISPOSABLE GLOVES and SURGICAL MASK, putting them on as she
goes over to Mrs. Durant in the chair.
JULIAN (CONT’D)
(to self)
She’s found my Kryptonite.
We hear Stephanie in the background.
STEPHANIE
Now Mrs. Durant, since this
procedure will take a while, I
thought I’d tell you all the
differences between the good
version of “Superman II” and the
bad version of “Superman II”. So,
first off...
104.
We see a close-up of Julian as he turns to look at Stephanie,

his expression being one of pure love. We then hear the start
of the music.
MONTAGE: SET TO “WHAT I WOULDN’T DO” BY SERENA RYDER.
Julian and Stephanie ride their bikes through town.
EXT. CITY STREETS - DAY
Julian and Stephanie ride past a traffic jam.
EXT. SUPERHERO MURAL - DAY
Julian and Stephanie stop at a Superman and Wonder Woman

mural painted on a building at Lois Lane.
Stephanie takes a photo with their new CAMERA before Julian

hugs her close.
EXT. SUNSET STREET - EARLY EVENING
We see a silhouetted Julian and Stephanie ride the hill

together. Stephanie is ahead a bit, so she stops for a few
seconds so Julian can catch up. They then ride off together.
INT. MRS. RICHES RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Julian and Stephanie enter, dressed up a bit for the

occasion. Stephanie also wears her shawl around her arms.
They join an eager Toni and Ian at their table for a fun,
comfort food dinner.
Julian and Stephanie, now moved in together, are snuggled on

her couch watching the end of “Superman”.
We see on Stephanie’s T.V. the last shot of Superman, flying

in space and smiling.
Julian smiles and looks down at Stephanie, who’s fallen

asleep. He gently kisses her head.
105.
We pan to the couch’s side table, where, in the new clay pot
from Toni and Ian, Stephanie’s cactus has sprouted a single
red flower. Taped to it is the CARD saying “Grateful”.
END OF MONTAGE.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE END

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CACTUS FLOWER

Based on the screenplay by I.A.L. Diamond

MONTAGE: SET TO “WHAT I WOULDN’T DO” BY SERENA RYDER.

INT. JULIAN’S BEDROOM - DAY

On a nightstand, we open on a framed photo of Antonia “Toni”

INT. JULIAN’S KITCHEN - DAY

On his way out, Julian finishes his remaining breakfast of

EXT. STEPHANIE’S HOUSE - DAY

We pan up to the face of dental hygienist STEPHANIE DIXON,

EXT. JULIAN’S HOUSE - DAY

EXT. MILLSTONE AVE - DAY

On her bike, Stephanie rides off onto her street.

INT. JULIAN’S CAR - DAY

We see Julian driving, content he won’t be late.

EXT. BUMPY STREET - DAY

Stephanie tries to keep her bike from wobbling as she goes

EXT. STREET - DAY

Above Julian’s car, we see several airplane vapour trails in

INT. JULIAN’S CAR - DAY

Having been looking up at the sky, Julian looks back forward.

EXT. FIFTH STREET - DAY

Stephanie bikes in the morning sun.

EXT. NANAIMO SIGN - DAY

Stephanie rides past the town’s “Bathtub Capital of the

EXT. HARBOUR STREET - DAY

Around Julian’s car we see the various buildings, businesses,

EXT. STREET - DAY

From an above angle, we see Julian’s car pass a worn rooster

EXT. STREET - DAY

Stephanie rides, feeling the morning breeze.

EXT. TRI-STAR VIDEO - DAY

Julian drives past, and we briefly see the storefront

EXT. BROOKLYN TIDE COMICS - DAY

Stephanie rides past the storefront, which displays some

INT. JULIAN’S CAR - DAY

Julian passes a liquor store advertising a Father’s Day sale,

EXT. STREET - DAY

Stephanie rides past many storefronts, including that of

INT. JULIAN’S CAR - DAY

Julian passes a bus stop bench ad for a funeral home that

Julian’s eyes turn mournful. He readjusts his rear-view

EXT. HARBOUR STREET - DAY

Stephanie rides past other stores on the street, viewed from

EXT. HARBOUR STREET - DAY

Stephanie bikes past a telephone pole with several FLYERS

EXT. WINSTON DENTAL - DAY

Stephanie arrives moments later and stops.

Julian locks his car before heading to the office, passing by

INT. RECEPTION AREA - DAY

Stephanie enters, Julian following. She ENTERS the alarm code

Stephanie looks at the computer monitor.

Stephanie doesn’t answer.

Julian emerges from the closet, putting on his DENTIST’S COAT

Stephanie looks back at the computer.

He leaves for his dental room, while Stephanie gets up to

INT. DENTAL ROOM 1 - DAY

Joni, her mouth being open, MUMBLES off-screen in response.

Putting down the water syringe and removing the SALIVA

Joni only MUMBLES some more.

INT. DENTAL ROOM 2 - DAY

In the next room, Julian’s best friend HARRY GREENFELD, 47,

Stephanie enters with several FILE FOLDERS in her arm and